Prémat, McLaughlin and DJR Team Penske win Bathurst 1000

It is certainly one of the legendary events that all drivers dream of winning, the biggest race in Australian motorsport. A classic that makes you dream, just like the 24 Hours of Le Mans or the Indianapolis 500… This legendary circuit, these cars so powerful and so complicated to drive, Alexander Prémat has tamed them! 

This Sunday, October 13, is to be marked with a milestone in the history of French motorsport: Alex has indeed become the first Frenchman to register his name on the winners of the Aussie event. Starting from pole, the duo he formed with New Zealand star Scott McLaughlin had to work hard to get rid of the pairs Jamie Whincup-Craig Lowndes (Holden n°888), Shane van Gisbergen-Garth Tander (Holden n°97) or even the Ford Mustangs of Waters-Caruso and Mostert-Moffat, which got stuck.

It's happened again! #VASC #Bathurst1000 pic.twitter.com/lgqk46zk3A

— Supercars (@supercars) October 13, 2019

It all came down to the very end of the race. While Whincup led the debates in front of McLaughin, the first city had no other choice but to attack in an attempt to build a lead allowing it to go through the pump one last time, at the risk of not rallying the 'arrival. Its Kiwi rival has decided with its French engineer Ludovic Lacroix to slow down and play the economy.

When the safety car came in, Whincup threw himself into the pit lane and emerged fourth. Bad pick, he will never manage to regain the advantage over James Courtney, Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin, respectively 3rd, 2nd and 1st.

In front, McLaughlin resisted van Gisbergen perfectly...until a final intervention by the safety car following a final exit from the track, offered the spectators present a final one-lap sprint. Once again, leading the restart perfectly, McLaughlin repels the attacks of his compatriot and offers himself his first victory at Bathurst 1000, to whom a second championship title awaits.

What an unbelievable last lap.#VASC #Bathurst1000 pic.twitter.com/eG0WUhusNz

— Supercars (@supercars) October 13, 2019

Prémat and McLaughlin take their first victory at Bathurst 1000, the latter signing his 18th success of the season. Roger Penske adds another legendary event to his team's record, as his partner triumphs on the Mount Panorama Circuit for the first time since 1994, when he shared the wheel with John Bowe. History they tell you…

Find in AUTO issue 2238hebdo, on sale Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands, the analysis of Bathurst 1000.