Leader ready to sizzle at Symmons Plains

CHAMPIONSHIP leader Shane van Gisbergen says Tasmanian fans will like the “aggressive” shape of the new Holden ZB Commodore and in the hands of the series’ most aggressive driver the Red Bull Supercar is on track to deliver “Giz” his third race victory at Symmons Plains this weekend.

The Kiwi star is pleased with his ZB heading into the third round of this year’s V8 series, despite not winning a race at the four-race event in Melbourne two weeks ago, and starting one race from the back of the grid.

“It has been a while since I haven’t been able to see the start lights,” he said. “That was tough but I got up to 13th from last in a short race.

“We still managed to get good points out of the weekend, which was really good and had a good time. We just need to keep our momentum going.

“The three cars are really quick and if we get it all right we should be up the front.”

Van Gisbergen has won a race at Symmons Plains for the past two years, but has never had pole position in Tasmania.

“It’s a simple track on paper but it’s really technical with three tough, key zones to it,” he said.

“It always creates good racing, qualifying is super-tight and the racing is always exciting, too.”

Strategy can also make or break a race.

“Tyres last so long there — it’s cool and tyres last a long time — so the strategy is really open,” he said.

“You’ve got to get that right, make sure you pit at the right time and get to the front.”