BULL AT THE GATE
Seven-time champ ready for new campaign
MOTORSPORT: Red Bull Holden Racing Team star Jamie Whincup has vowed to shatter rival Ford’s much-hyped Mustang debut in 2019 as he strives to add to his record seven Supercars crowns.
The most winning driver in the history of the sport, Whincup said he was ready for a fresh assault after last year finishing outside of the top two in the championship for only the second time since 2006.
While DJR Team Penske rival Scott McLaughlin emerged with the major prize, Whincup still regarded 2019 as a strong year for Triple Eight, which claimed the teams championship.
Teammate Shane van Gisbergen finished 71 points shy of McLaughlin and Whincup was third.
But the four-time Bathurst winner said Red Bull was determined to reclaim the Supercars title, which it has won six times in the past eight years.
“The Ford guys, who are always quick, have got a new tool to work with, so they will have increased motivation and enthusiasm to get the most out of the new car,” Whincup said.
“We will do what we always do and that’s grind it out and strive to be the most competitive team in pit lane.
“We had a great year last year. The Peter Brock Trophy is at our workshop, we were very close in car 97 and I was a close third. We weren’t unhappy with our performance.
“I certainly don’t sign up to any championship unless I think I can win.
“I’ve got extra motivation this year. It was the first time I finished outside of the top two since 2015. Although it was third, it’s not too far back, but I do want to step it up this year.
“I don’t think there is any real favourites at this stage.”
Whincup will debut a brand new Commodore, which he has christened Lindsay, for Supercars testing at Phillip Island today.
He will also have a new weapon for the endurance races this season – seven-time Bathurst winner Craig Lowndes as his co-driver.
But Whincup said the team needed to make sure it made its own luck and eradicate mistakes that proved costly last year.
“We made too many mistakes last year,” Whincup said.
“As drivers within the team as well. I’m not saying it was all pit stops, I certainly made a few mistakes as well.
“There was a bit of complacency there and we didn’t make enough luck for ourselves as the year went on, so that’s our big focus this year to minimise the mistakes.’’
McLaughlin has been made $3 favourite with Ladbrokes to retain his crown, with van Gisbergen at $3.50 and Whincup at $4.
The New Zealander said he was not entering the season with any expectations.
“It will be closer than ever this year,” McLaughlin said.