As the category gears up for another big season, Erebus Motorsport has announced their engineering line-up for 2017.

To no surprise, Alistair McVean has been secured again as David Reynolds’ right hand man.

After joining forces at Bathurst last year, the pair finished 2016 on a high, claiming a podium on the streets of Sydney Olympic Park.

“I think the results at the end of last year were very positive,” McVean said.

“We were able to get on a good development path with Dave and gradually move our way up the grid; we had a few ups and downs but it was on an upwards trend.”

With 2017 seeing the introduction of a new Dunlop control tyre, McVean is happy to have found good foundations to build from.

“This year there is a big change with the new tyre so that could throw out the form book, but we have a good reference point.

“We knew the car was good at the end of last year so if it’s not this year we know it is because we haven’t adapted to the new tyre, but we are confident we are going to get on top of it pretty quickly.”

Mirko De Rosa is back for his second year with the team and is ready to partner with Dale Wood.

He joined Erebus at the beginning of 2016, and will step up to Race Engineer this season.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m really excited about it,” De Rosa said.

“I’ve still got heaps to learn, but I’m lucky to have Al and Barry guiding me.

“I learnt a lot last year and it was great working with Dave; I think Dale will be very similar and I’m looking forward to building a relationship with him.”

General Manager of Motorsport, Barry Ryan, said he was confident in his team and what they could achieve this year.

“2016 was a big year for us, and our priority is to continue that momentum in 2017,” Ryan said.

“We have a great team and are all working together to ensure both cars are up the front.”

Both driver and engineer combos are itching to get back on track, with the Clipsal 500 still four weeks away.