Another solid run for Percat at Albert Park

The non-championship event included a unique format with dual-file rolling starts for each race, finishing points setting the grid for the following race and double points on offer for the final encounter.

After two practices and a single 30-minute qualifying session, it was Michael Caruso who scored his maiden pole position from Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin. Percat qualified 16th in the 25 car field.

In the opening 10 lap race Percat crossed the line 17th behind Holden stablemates James Courtney and Tim Slade. Shane van Gisbergen in the Team Tekno Commodore convincingly won, from Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin, with pole man Caruso fourth.

In the second 12 lap race, Percat finished 16th behind Courtney and in front of Slade, the Holden trio running line astern once again. Shane van Gisbergen again tasted victory, this time over Craig Lowndes and Fabian Coulthard.

The winning ways continued for van Gisbergen in the safety car interrupted third race, holding off Fabian Coulthard and Craig Lowndes to the chequered flag. Fellow South Australians and Walkinshaw Racing teammates Tim Slade and Nick Percat both avoided the opening lap carnage and crossed the line 13th and 14th.

The double points finale saw Scott McLaughlin record Volvo’s first V8 Supercars victory ahead of Craig Lowndes. McLaughlin also won the points for the weekend from Lowndes and Michael Caruso, while the winner of the first three races, Shane van Gisbergen tumbled down the order to finish the race 14th.

Percat finished 13th and was in line for a better result, until he was hit and spun by the Volvo of Robert Dahlgren, following the lap eight restart.

After the Sunday race Percat said, “We made a good step forward today and although we didn’t get the result we wanted, the car speed in the last race was probably good enough to run in the top five.

“However starting out of 13th and with the antics going on ahead of us and then getting spun by the second Volvo, meant we ended up where we started.

“Just like the Clipsal we learnt more about the car and come away with more positives from the weekend. I am now focusing on the next championship round at Symmons Plains in a fortnight".

Coates Hire Racing

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