Kaleb Ngatoa joins Joey Mawson for BRM tilt at S5000 championship

Reigning S5000 champion Joey Mawson will return to the series in 2022 with Team BRM joined by Kiwi Kaleb Ngatoa.

Team BRM have announced two of their three drivers for the 2022 S5000 series. (S5000)

The team will also field a third car, with the driver to be announced as a 'surprise' before the first event at Race Tasmania.

Mawson will become the first driver to defend the Australian Drivers' Championship since Simon Wills in 1999-2000.

"I want to thank Form 700, ALABAR and my partners who have jumped on board for this upcoming season," said Mawson.

"We had such an incredible season last year, and returning for a second season gives us a chance to build on what we started and keep pushing harder."

"We want to defend our championship."

"The championship is so competitive and there’s some new names and faces who are going to be a tough ask to beat, but I know I’ve got the team to do it."

"The new livery looks incredible and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel at Symmons Plains, where we had success in 2021."

Ngatoa, meanwhile, claimed two race wins last year and looks to make his way up the order.

The Kiwi will relocate to South Australia to contest the 2022 season.

"I can’t wait to get back out to Australia and go racing," said Ngatoa.

"I learned so much last year and I’ve been working hard to put together the deal to go back, but for the full championship."

"The cars are great and I am eager to continue the learning process I began last year with BRM and hopefully translate that into a very competitive season."

The 2022 S5000 Australian Drivers' Championship gets underway February 11 at Symmons Plains, to be broadcast on Stan Sport and the Nine Network.