MCLAUGHLIN TRIUMPHS AGAIN AT ALBERT PARK

Scott McLaughlin continued his winning form – Photo: InSyde Media

After failing to start yesterday’s 25-lap evening race, Scott McLaughlin has continued his winning form by taking out the final 13-lap Supercars race.

McLaughlin headed home Tickford Racing’s Chaz Mostert by 0.8042s in what was another dominant display, while Red Bull Holden Racing Team’s Jamie Whincup collected the final place on the podium.

Front-row starters McLaughlin and Mostert made an equal start, which proved detrimental as the champion ran the polesitter wide enabling Whincup to take advantage and slot into second.

This meant McLaughlin made a break over the field as Mostert increased the pressure on Whincup for second, with Tickford’s lead man taking the position at turn 13 on lap 2.

The battle for the rest of the podium – Photo: InSyde Media

Shane van Gisbergen’s weekend failed to improve as he tangled with Fabian Coulthard through Turns 11 and 12, which forced the RBHRT driver to cut through the inside. He still maintained the position as Coulthard challenged on the outside of Turn 13, but van Gisbergen locked up and forced the DJR Team Penske driver down the escape road. This incurred a 15s post-race penalty for van Gisbergen.

The Safety Car was required on lap 3 as Macauley Jones was spun into the wall by Garry Jacobson as he was attacking Simona De Silvestro.

The restart on lap 7 was perfect for the two Mustangs out front as both broke away from the field and built a margin over Whincup, who held off Cam Waters for third.

Heading to Tasmania in three weeks, McLaughlin holds a 31-point lead over Whincup, whilst Larry Perkins Trophy winner Mostert sits 32-points further back.

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