McLaughlin win confirmed
Scott McLaughlin has kept his Bathurst win, but Fabian Coulthard has been relegated to the last place finisher, while DJR Team Penske, who McLaughlin and Coulthard drive for have been docked championship points and hit with a fine.
The 26-year-old McLaughlin was first over the finishing line at Mount Panorama last weekend, but the result has stood as provisional because of some dubious orders given to Coulthard by DJR Team Penske bosses.
On lap 134 of the 161-lap race, Coulthard slowed significantly when a safety car was brought onto the circuit. This allowed McLaughlin and Jamie Whincup, who were ahead of Coulthard at the time, to get a significant advantage over the rest of the field.
After McLaughlin’s victory DJR Team Penske were charged with breaching team order rules.
A hearing took place into the incident on Saturday and the outcome was revealed yesterday that McLaughlin will keep his Bathurst win, but there would be heavy punishments for Coulthard and the team.
Coulthard, who finished the race sixth, has been demoted to 21st while the team has been hit with a $250,000 fine, with $100,000 of it suspended until the end of 2021.
They have also had 300 points deducted from the teams’ championship.
DJR Team Penske released a statement on Sunday saying they had accepted the punishment.
‘‘After reviewing data from Car #12 following the Bathurst 1000 with the Stewards and Deputy Race Director, DJR Team Penske accepts the penalties issued related to the FIA International Sporting Code,’’ the team said.
‘‘The team will be making no further comment at this time.’’
The outcome of this means Coulthard drops from third to fourth in the drivers’ standings.