Supercars: Mostert returns to winners list with victory in Melbourne
Chaz Mostert has won a dramatic Beaurepaires Melbourne 400 opener that was headlined by defending Supercars’ Champion Shane van Gisbergen’s charge from starting last to finishing third.
Mostert’s 18th career victory was his second win of the season and third on the Australian Grand Prix circuit.
Tire degradation on the new Albert Park surface was the key talking point for the day. Pole-sitter David Reynolds battled hard on his tires and after falling back with lack of grip, he recovered to finished second.
But the biggest recovery of all went to van Gisbergen who started 23rd, and in what could be a huge result for the Championship, fought through the field and crossed the line third behind Mostert and Reynolds.
“Any time you win in this category is amazing,” Mostert said.
“The car’s getting faster and faster.
“After Tassie, it’s good to get a trophy for the guys and girls at WAU.”
The Shell V-Power Racing Team duo of Anton De Pasquale and Will Davison held the lead with seven laps remaining before disaster struck.
De Pasquale suffered a tire failure and finished 23rd, Davison had to stop twice and finished16th.
With De Pasquale down the order, van Gisbergen extended his championship lead from 67 to 129 points.
Mostert on the other hand raced away to his first race win since the opening round at Sydney Motorsport Park.
It was also Mostert’s first win at Albert Park since 2019, when he won the Larry Perkins Perpetual Trophy.
