SHANE van Gisbergen quit motorsport last year amid talk of depression and burn-out.

His return to a rival team this year has made him the most controversial figure in the sport. He broke his five-month silence to talk with James Phelps.

JP: Let's go back to Winton and the shock announcement. When did you make the decision that you no longer wanted to drive for Stone Brothers?

SvG: It was a month before. I didn't want to stay somewhere where I wasn't happy. I was hating life and had to get out.

JP: What was the problem and why were you not enjoying your time there?

SvG: We won races in 2011 and I had big expectations for last year. I started OK and then it was a shambles from there. We all go through bad periods but I didn't see it getting any better.

JP: So was the decision to quit all race-related? Or were you having personal clashes?

SvG: There were a couple of clashes. It wasn't a happy atmosphere and it was going to get more political with the takeover.

JP: What do you mean?

SvG: Just the big glitzy stuff with Mercedes. I want a fast race car. I want to race and have fun. I wasn't allowed to do NZ Super Tourers.

JP: Did you feel restricted in what you could do away from V8s?

SvG: In some ways. Last year, and the years previous, I wasn't encouraged to drive other things. Rather than do another year, I was prepared to go home and do other stuff.

JP: When you decided you wanted to leave, was your intention always to race again in a V8 Supercar this year?

SvG: No. We had a contract for the next couple of years and I didn't want to burn bridges and have it like this. I would have rather stopped. I had a lot of encouragement from my father and friends and (Steve and Jon) Webb. I can race in New Zealand too and I am encouraged to go racing, to go drifting.

JP: The rumour was that you had quit because you had depression. Or at least played that card to quit your contract.

SvG: That was put out in the press release at Winton. At that point I just wanted to go home. I just knew I was leaving but they (Stone Brothers Racing) wanted to put out that I wasn't in a good way and they said "retirement", not me.

JP: Have you been clinically diagnosed with depression?

SvG: No. Never. Everyone has down moments and I was in a rut. If I carried on it was only going to get worse. Mindset is such a big part of this sport.

If your mind is right, you drive well. I am now loving life.

JP: The "retirement" word was used.

SvG: Not by me. Never from my mouth. No one has heard my side and it has all come from other people.

JP: Did you think you would be driving a V8 Supercar his year?

SvG: Not at Winton when the announcement was made. Or at Homebush, for that matter.

JP: When did you decide you wanted to drive a V8 this year?

SvG: Probably at Christmas. We started talking to the Webbs in January.

JP: Was it awkward for you being presented a bonnet signed by all the drivers at Sydney as a retirement gift?

SvG: Yes it was. Especially now. I know there have been a lot of comments by the drivers. I feel quite bad because they signed it, but at that point I was going home. Things have changed now.

JP: Do you feel like the drivers are going to target you this year?

SvG: Not really, but it will take a while to get respect back. None of them have talked to me and this is the first time I have opened up about it.

Hopefully they will understand now. They have only read what is in the press.

JP: What is your relationship like with former team-mates Tim Slade and Lee Holdsworth?

SvG: We still talk and I think they understand.

JP: How about the fans? What do they think of you?

SvG: People are on Facebook and social media kicking off and going nuts. I just turned it off. But at the track everyone is excited and positive.

People just won't say anything to your face in this day and age.

JP: What would you like to say to those fans? The knockers?

SvG: Hopefully this will let them know what has happened. I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for me, but I needed a change. People change jobs all the time.

JP: Is there any resentment to Ross and Jimmy Stone?

SvG: At the moment there is stuff going on. But they picked me out of NZ in 2006 and gave me my shot. I lived with Ross for a year and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. I have some great memories from that team. I said "hello" to Jimmy the other day but haven't had the opportunity to speak to Ross. I have to thank them for what I have.

JP: Was the move about money? Are you a mercenary?

SvG: No. I don't even know what I am getting paid this year and I don't care. I just want to win races and enjoy it.

JP: So what do you want this year? Is it all about having fun?

SvG: No, I want results. That is what I am driven by. I love racing and I love the atmosphere. I want a good car, a good time and I want to do my best. So far that is all happening here at Tekno.

JP: What are your aims over the next couple of years?

SvG: I want to win championships. I think I can do that here. I want to win races and go for it. We have a great car run by good people. That is the reason I came back.

Originally published as Shane clears air on switch