Kiwi champion planning to pick up where he left off
BRISBANE: Reigning Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin says he is not feeling any pressure ahead of his title defence but reckons his rivals will be at this weekend’s season opener in Adelaide.
New Zealander McLaughlin admitted the 2019 form guide would not be clear until after opening qualifying on the tough street circuit due to the newlook grid and this season’s technical tweaks.
Arguably the biggest change is Ford’s shift from Falcons to Mustangs — the first time since 1990 they have been sighted on the grid.
But Ford gun McLaughlin still plans to pick up where he left off
in 2018 at the opening Adelaide 500.
‘‘I don’t feel any pressure. I feel there is more pressure on other people,’’ he said.
‘‘I feel like we have set a really good benchmark for the team (by winning last year).
‘‘If we just stick to what we know there is nothing really more that we can do.’’
McLaughlin was still buzzing from pipping Shane van Gisbergen by 71 points to claim
his maiden title, turning the tables on the Holden star who had snatched the 2017 championship from his grasp.
‘‘We have come from very hard times, from just missing out to winning the championship, and I am glad for everyone for doing that,’’ he said.
‘‘Until qualifying on Friday we won’t really know the form guide. But I am excited to just put the hammer down.’’
Fellow Kiwi Van Gisbergen will need to regroup without the guidance of former teammate Craig Lowndes, who will only feature as an endurance codriver this year.
But van Gisbergen reckons it will be more of the same in 2019
as he looks to become the first to win five straight races at Adelaide.
‘‘There’s no expectations, but we have the same car as last year, same mechanics, same engineers — everything is the same,’’ he said.
‘‘So there’s good continuity. Hopefully we can carry some good momentum — I can’t wait.’’
Seventime Bathurst 1000 champ Lowndes will be at Adelaide as a TV commentator.
His absence in the garage is hardly the only change.
The season opener will mark the first time Ford great Mark Winterbottom will drive a Holden in his 212 championship round career after the 2015
champion switched to Team 18.
The 24strong field will also feature two fulltime debutants — Garry Jacobson and Macauley Jones — but not Holden great Garth Tander.
The 2007 series champion has reluctantly followed Lowndes into codriver duties after being sensationally dumped by Gary Rogers Motorsport.
Then there are the technical changes.
New measures introduced to help decrease maintenance costs and ensure a level playing field include a newlook gearbox, a revamped engine electronic control unit and shock absorber changes.
Practice starts today.