Coulthard triumphs as Fords dominate
PHILLIP ISLAND, Victoria: 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 eighthstraight pole position earlier in the day was proof of that. But with few points to gain from a dangerous and potentially moralesapping 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 pit stops.
‘‘I’m not sure what happened to Scott on one of his out laps, but I’m pumped. It’s awesome for all my guys.’’
De Pasquale, who claimed a first podium in his 41race career, was the only Holden in a sea of Fords at the top of the order.
Rounding out the top six were Will Davison, Chaz Mostert and Cam Waters as the Mustangs continued their supreme start to the series. After 10 races, Fords have won nine.
McLaughlin, racing for a backtoback title, has seven of those and now leads the championship by 124 points over Coulthard. — AAP