RISK EQUALS REWARD FOR SVG

Supercars Championship leader Shane van Gisbergen has credited a risky pass at Turn 2 for his miraculous race win at Sandown this afternoon.

Charging from 17th on the grid, van Gisbergen made up five positions on the opening lap before gradually progressing into contention further aided by a struggling Chaz Mostert.

The Walkinshaw Andretti United driver elected to pit early, which affected his late-race pace.

But it was the move on lap 32, where he disposed of teammate Jamie Whincup and Mostert at Turn 2, which van Gisbergen credited as his race winning move.

He went onto overtake race leader Cam Waters with two laps to go, maintaining his unbeaten start to the season.

“(It was) A bit of a risky move at Turn 2 and that’s what probably won the race,” said the Kiwi.

“It probably wasn’t smart to make it three-wide, but being on the inside is the safest place and it worked out quite well.”

The move came after van Gisbergen scythed his way through the field to fifth, but a battle with James Courtney on his out lap jeopardised his charge towards the lead.

“I had a good first lap, saved the tyres then started picking guys off,” he said.

“Everyone ran a bit longer than I thought they were going to, but it still worked for us.

“I had a terrible out lap, battled James (Courtney) and had a lot of understeer, but after three laps it came good.

“I saw Chaz was struggling and started backing everyone up, and he did, which was awesome.”

After breaking his collarbone two weeks ago, van Gisbergen tested a BMW M3 production car on Wednesday, but doubt still surrounded his participation this weekend prior to opening practice.

Risk equals reward for Shane van Gisbergen – Images: InSyde Media

Van Gisbergen tested out his shoulder early and it passed the test.

“On my out lap at Turn 2, I thought I’d go straight over the kerb and I’d be able to race,” he explained.

“It hurts when I hit the kerbs, but it’s not too bad.”

Although still recovering, van Gisbergen said the injury didn’t affect his driving, while a new set-up featuring a steering wheel positioned closer and lower is helping.

“I’m in pain, but no worse than before the start of the race,” said van Gisbergen.

“Maybe it was the adrenaline, but it didn’t distract me at all. It was full focus.”

Asked if this win was his best, van Gisbergen was non-committal in his answer.

“I don’t know, I don’t think about that stuff,” he replied.

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