V8SC – McLaughlin and Lowndes start strong in Perth

The V8 Supercars made its return this weekend on the Perth track in Australia. Having won his fourth pole of the season the day before, Scott McLaughlin left it up to no one to leave his mark on this first round. If he was overtaken by Craig Lowndes (Holden – Red Bull Racing Australia) attacked at the first corner, then by Russell Ingall (Holden – Repair Managment) a lap later, McLaughlin managed to manage his tires and his refueling well to regain his position after the pit-stops.

If Fabian Coulthard (Holden – Lockwood Racing) put pressure on the leader and his Volvo S60 of GRM Valvoline Racing in the last all, the latter made no mistake and won his first success of this season (his victory in Melbourne being out of -championship). Coulthard finished 2nd ahead of the Pepsi Max Crew Fords of Chaz Mostert and Mark Winterbottom. Among the Red Bull Racing Australia Holdens, Jamie Whincup continued his mixed year with a 17th place in this first round. His teammate Craig Lowndes took 6th place, but expected to do better during the second event of the weekend.

And that’s what the Commodore pilot accomplished, with a second round led from start to finish. Behind the winner, a three-way battle ensued between Whincup, McLaughlin and Winterbottom. The latter, the first to stop in the leading peloton, took second place after the tire changes and kept his position until the finish. He thus consolidates his leadership overall. Whincup, reigning champion, finally reached the third step of the podium ahead of McLaughlin.

The final race in Perth will be held next night.