Driven: You've got a new paint scheme on the car and your old number back?
Murphy: It's a really vibrant livery to kick off the year. I think it looks great and I'm stoked to be back sporting No 51. [Murphy has used the #51 exclusively in V8 Supercars since 2001, although Greg Murphy Racing used it in last year's Dunlop Series and Murphy had to use #11].
D: Another year in the main game must be good for you. Are you looking forward to this weekend?
M: I'm absolutely looking forward to the weekend. I'm always keen to go racing.
D: Things were starting to pick up for you last year. Are you hoping to continue in that vein this year?
M: We had some successes last season so this year will be all about building on those positives and pushing the Pepsi Max Crew higher up the grid. We're all pumped for a very big year in 2012. I'm a little anxious these days, though, performance-wise. I need to be back up the field more. Being part of the championship is still a very big thing and still being able to hold a position in this operation when you're not forking out heaps of money is a real honour.
D: I know by your standards finishing just outside the top 10 isn't too good, but after the past few years you guys seem to be heading in the right direction.
M: This year almost feels like an interim year because of the introduction of the Car of the Future in 2013. We still have a long way to go to take it to the likes of Triple Eight, HRT and FPR. I'm hoping we'll be able to carry through some stuff from last year. It's looking quite promising but there's still the odd question mark. The team's committed to continuing to improve the car and everything going into this season.
D: How hard is it to try to get equal with the factory teams?
M: It's bloody hard at the moment. It's all about consistency, and the cars at the top have consistent performances. That's what we're all trying to achieve but it's so hard to match the power of the factory teams.
D: Do you think any of the teams will tread water regarding spending big this year while waiting for the new car in 2013?
M: It's a difficult year to get through. Financially, teams have to get ready for 2013, so it's difficult to go and spend too much money on the development of a car that's going to be obsolete in 10 months. Whereas the full-blown teams with big budgets can still spend money now and cover what they have to do for 2013. It's just the way it is.
D: Nissan have announced they're about to enter the series with Kelly Brothers Racing. Will we see you in a Japanese car one day?
M: It's a long way away before any conversation either way will happen. I've been very loyal to Holden for many years and I have had other opportunities but didn't take them. For anyone who thinks I might have switched allegiances - that certainly hasn't happened. Just because you drive for a team that will be a factory Nissan team next year doesn't mean you will be driving one as well. I'm really happy for the Kellys that they've managed to pull off a massive coup.
