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Courtney to miss Supercars qualifying

By Thomas Miles

Supercars have hit the track for back to back qualifying sessions at Albert Park, but without James Courtney.

As a result the 2010 champion will start from the rear of the grid of both Races 4 and 5 of the season at the Australian Grand Prix.

Courtney is stuck in the garage as the Blanchard Racing Team crew members repair his #7 Mustang following a heavy practice crash.

Courtney lost the rear going through Turn 5 and found the concrete on the exit of the fast right hander.

With significant left rear damage and just 90 minutes between sessions, there was not enough time for BRT to repair the Mustang.

This means rookie Aaron Cameron will be the only BRT Ford on track in the intense back to back 15 minute sessions.

“As soon as I turned in I just lost the rear straight away,” Courtney recalled of the crash. 

“It was so bizarre that it happened so early. As soon as I put in any input in it snapped so aggressively.

“It is very disappointing for the team given the week we have had and the last thing we needed was the last thing we needed.

“It can be damaged quite easily in the rear if the wheel goes inwards but it went backwards which is a positive.

“The clip on the back is quite fragile but we won’t know until we pull it apart.”

2025 Australian Grand Prix schedule

Thursday, March 13

Time    Category         Session

Supercars       Practice 1: R. Wood 1:47.8448 2: R. Stanaway +0.0704 3: W. Davison +0.4168

12.30-13.00    Carrera Cup    Qualifying

13.25-13.55    Supercars       Practice 2

15.25-15.40    Supercars       Qualifying 1

15.50-16.05    Supercars       Qualifying 2

16.50-17.45    Carrera Cup    Race 1

17.50               Supercars       Race 1 (19 laps)

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