FABIAN Coulthard is the new leader of the Supercars Championship courtesy of both a strong recovery drive and misfortune for teammate Scott McLaughlin at Sunday’s Bathurst 1000.
Coulthard and DJR Team Penske co-driver Tony D’Alberto went a lap down before the halfway point of the Great Race but fought back to claim a stunning third place result.
Coulthard’s result means he now leads Jamie Whincup by 200 points in the championship battle. McLaughlin has slipped from first to third after failing to finish the race.
“It was very tough. With a dry line there was pretty much one track. If you go off it then you’re in the water. It was hard to pass, but we bided our time and managed to finish on the podium,” Coulthard said.
“It’s my first podium here and TD’s first podium. Everyone at Shell V-Power Racing has done a good job and should leave here happy.”
Coulthard and D’Alberto weren’t looking like podium contenders when they were overtaken by race leader Richie Stanaway on lap 60.
However, a couple of well-timed safety car periods towards the end of the race helped Coulthard get his day back on track.
The team were 10th with 20 laps to go but misfortune for other drivers and good pace from the Coulthard’s Falcon on a drying track shot him through the field.
An error from Nick Percat’s at the Chase promoted Coulthard to third with five laps to go.
It’s Coulthard’s 10th podium of the season.
