Coulthard claims win

THE DJR Team Penske Mustangs might have swapped podium places, but a second onetwo result on Phillip Island has done nothing to change their domination of the Supercars championship.

Fabian Coulthard claimed his first race win of the season yesterday, edging teammate Scott McLaughlin in a 200km battle at the Victorian coastal circuit. The difference was pit performance, with Coulthard undercutting the reigning champion with quicker stops to take the lead after 18 laps.

There was no doubt McLaughlin had a faster car — his record eighth-straight pole position earlier in the day was proof of that.

But with few points to gain from a dangerous and potentially morale-sapping move on his teammate, McLaughlin was happy enough to coast to second place ahead of surprise podium debutant Anton de Pasquale.

Coulthard said he was slightly shocked to emerge with the race lead after the dust settled on the pit stops.

“I’m pumped. It’s awesome for all my guys,” he said.

Tickford Racing pair Cam Waters and Chaz Mostert had control of the race early after surprising the field with shortstopping strategies.

McLaughlin emerged from his pit stop behind Coulthard and de Pasquale, with the assumption the series leader had taken on the bulk of his fuel.

That theory was debunked when McLaughlin came in for his second stop and once again needed more time than his teammate.

Managing director Ryan Story reported a two-second difference in “pit transit time”, suggesting McLaughlin was slow on entering or exiting the circuit’s pit lane, one of the longest in the calendar.

McLaughlin, the first man to congratulate Coulthard, didn’t seem too miffed to miss out on another race win.

“It’s great for the team,” he said. “I’m really happy with my weekend ... it’s been a big two weeks on the road so to come away with three one-twos is fantastic.”

De Pasquale, who claimed a first podium in his 41-race career, was the only Holden in a sea of Fords at the top of the order.