V8 Supercar: Mostert claims first win for FPR

Chaz Mostert claimed his first V8 Supercars victory with Ford Performance Racing in the longer-distance finale at Barbagallo.

The 22-year-old had taken a win at Queensland Raceway last July during his impressive rookie year with Dick Johnson Racing, but the Perth success marked his first victory since being promoted to Ford's leading squad.

Mostert managed to get ahead of Craig Lowndes for the effective race lead when they were trying to pass Jason Bright – running an alternate strategy – around half-distance. The Ford man then resisted pressure from Lowndes's Triple Eight Holden for the rest of the race, keeping the series' victory record-holder at bay even through very heavy traffic in the closing stages.

Mostert's teammate Mark Winterbottom maintained his championship lead with third place, his strategy of running longer stints not paying off as effectively.

Champion Jamie Whincup continued his return to form in fourth place, ahead of Brad Jones Racing duo Fabian Coulthard and Bright.

James Courtney had also been among the lead group early on before suffering a puncture, only a few laps after his Holden Racing Team stablemate Garth Tander had the same issue. Both Erebus Mercedes also had tires blow.

Race one winner Scott McLaughlin and his GRM Volvo teammate Robert Dahlgren both struggled for race pace after qualifying in the top 10, sliding back to 17th and 21st, respectively. McLaughlin's day was further complicated by the need to tape a flapping door closed in a pit stop and by a punt from Tim Slade.