From Pasquale winner for the resumption in Sydney

After more than 100 days of interruption due to the health crisis, Supercars resumed with great success this Saturday within the SMP. And for this cover, it was Anton De Pasquale who showed himself the most lively.

The fastest man in free practice and qualifying, the DJR representative was uncompromising for the first event of the weekend in Sydney. Starting from pole position, the 26-year-old driver managed his start perfectly despite the pressure put on by Will Brown (Erebus Motorsport), author of his first career line.

SUPERCARS ARE BACK #RepcoSC pic.twitter.com/jtRpz8uLhU

— Supercars (@supercars) October 30, 2021

Safe after the first tight laps where Brown was present in his mirrors, Anton De Pasquale created a small margin of just over a second as he passed the 9th loop. Then began the salvo of supplies. A solid leader, the Australian, imitated by the Erebus Motorsport resident, decided to dive into the pit lane on the 15th lap. A game which turned in favor of the poleman due to a bad stop by Will Brown who was having problems with his right rear thus losing around ten seconds in his garage.

An absolute nightmare pit stop for Erebus and Brown 😱😱 #RepcoSC pic.twitter.com/MXuWABIvTX

— Supercars (@supercars) October 30, 2021

Re-entering the peloton, Anton De Pasquale then regained control of the race on the 22nd lap when Tim Slade (Blanchard Racing Team), last not to have stopped, made his pit stop. Once again the leader, the Dick Johnson Racing driver found himself this time ahead of Shane van Gisbergen (Triple Eight) and no longer Will Brown. Faced with a hell of a customer, the current 6th in the championship did not flinch and quickly opened up a gap, thus giving himself breathing space for the end of the race.

With more than 4 seconds ahead in the final laps, Anton De Pasquale was no longer going to be caught and thus offered himself his second victory of the season, the third of his career, after that obtained at The Bend last May. Shane van Gisbergen and Brodie Kostecki (Erebus Motorsport) completed the podium this night in Sydney. Starting second, Will Brown crossed the line in 5th position just behind Nick Percat (Brad Jones Racing).

A fitting way to sign off our first race back! #RepcoSC pic.twitter.com/ENtjUWWRhd

— Supercars (@supercars) October 30, 2021

In the championship, Shane van Gisbergen remains in control ahead of his teammate Jamie Whincup. The two men are separated by 312 points.