The Pepsi Max Crew has backed up its early form at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, with Mark Winterbottom and Chaz Mostert again finishing 1-2 after starting on the front row.
Winterbottom took control early and it wasn’t long before the Safety Car was called for Dale Wood’s lap one crash, which involved Scott McLaughlin at the back of the pack.
As Wood’s GB Galvanising Commodore was retrieved from turn seven, the clock ticked down to what would ultimately be a time certain finish.
After nine laps, and brief battles on the last dash to the line, the two FG X’s proved best once again, home ahead of Shane van Gisbergen this time.
Reprising their Clipsal 500 battle, van Gisbergen and James Courtney started side by side – but this time the kiwi didn’t mind muscling through.
Jamie Whincup came home fifth, with Rick Kelly first of the Nissans, Tim Slade, Fabian Coulthard, Garth Tander and Craig Lowndes top 10.
“Another good race. It’s a strange day, we go out at 2pm it’s another 3.5 hours before the next race. You sit and ponder what you’ll do,” Winterbottom said.
“Good to get two wins today, and with Chaz second both times.”
Winterbottom will lead the event points after today – and start tomorrow from pole position – but with two races complete, he’s only halfway through the week’s work.
“There’s two more, Saturday and Sunday, so we’ll see if we can finish it off. Great day for the team,” he said.
‘Frosty’ felt as if the Pepsi Max Crew was making progress with the new FG X , a good sign after an average Clipsal 500, by his standards.
“The car, at least it’s doing what you want it do – even finishing fifth and making sense is what you want. Though it’s good to get a win.
“Minor changes here are making a difference – I love that, that’s when you really start making progress.”
The cars are back on tomorrow at 3.25pm at Albert Park in Melbourne.
