Double Pole, Double Podium For Will Davison In Darwin

It was a day of redemption for Will Davison on the final day of racing at the Darwin Triple Crown. Davison claimed two podiums and two consecutive pole positions (five consecutive pole positions for the Shell V-Power Racing Team), and more qualifying lap records.

RACE 13 RECAP

The start of Race 13 saw Van Gisbergen take the lead from Davison by taking the inside line on the approach to turn 1. Winterbottom and Whincup went wide trying to pass around the outside but couldn’t get by, leaving Davison and De Pasquale P2 and P3, respectively.

The No. 17 and No. 11 Ford Mustangs followed Van Gisbergen until their first pit stops. De Pasquale was first in for rear tyres on lap 10, but unfortunately lost time during the stop after a problem with a rattle gun. Davison made his compulsory stop just two laps later and also took on a fresh set of rear tyres.

Davison rejoined the race in front of a charging Mostert. When all stops were completed, Davison was still P2 behind Van Gisbergen, and De Pasquale had dropped in behind Whincup and Winterbottom in P6.

That’s where they stayed to the finish line. Davison claimed the second step of the podium while De Pasquale finished the 38-lap sprint in P6.

RACE 14 RECAP

The second qualifying session of the day was a carbon copy of the first, with Davison again claiming pole position, beating his previous fastest time. De Pasquale again clocked the 3rd fastest time.

Davison and Van Gisbergen locked out the front row for the start of Race 14, and it was Van Gisbergen who got the better jump when the lights went green. Davison slotted into P2. Meanwhile, De Pasquale battled side-by-side with Whincup in to turn 1 but held on to P3. Not letting Van Gisbergen out of their sight, the three front-runners settled into position ahead of Courtney in P4 and Whincup in P5.

De Pasquale was the first to stop for fresh rubber on lap 15 but stalled out of the box and was passed by Whincup in the lane. Two laps into his second stint, De Pasquale ran deep into turn 1, causing him to detour onto the grass, which cost him track position.

Davison made his stop on lap 16 and rejoined the race ahead of Whincup, who was trying to undercut him in the lane. Van Gisbergen kept his advantage over Davison when he pitted and returned to the race ahead of the No. 17 Ford Mustang.

Davison was unable to make up ground on Van Gisbergen in the second stint and had to be content with P2. When the pit stop cycle was complete, De Pasquale was in P12, and while he battled to make up positions in the closing stages of the race, he did not progress further.

Davison moves up to 4th in the Drivers’ Championship while De Pasquale moves up to 8th. The Shell V-Power Racing Team is now 2nd in the Teams’ Championship.

DE PASQUALE QUOTE 

“It was really good to bounce back in qualifying this morning after yesterday’s race. The car was fast, and I was trucking along in that first race today. But unfortunately, we had an issue with a rattle gun and I lost positions during the stop.”

“Then in the second race, we were sitting third off the start, and again the car was really good. But during the pit stop I stalled and messed that up which put us back.”

“Our focus now is on Townsville in a couple of weeks where hopefully we can get back to the front.”

DAVISON QUOTE 

“I sort of feel good that I’m angry. Not angry, but it’s just great to be back in this position. It’s a tough game being up against the quality of our opposition. I’m loving it. Loving the challenge. It was a very rewarding morning after a really tough day yesterday. But all-in-all, the year’s been really encouraging, and we’re still learning all the time.

“We worked really, really worked hard last night. I didn’t sleep much because I had such a bad day, and I was just a bit unsure what was going to happen this morning. It’s very rewarding when you hook the car up and nail a couple of poles.”

“I just couldn’t quite match Shane off the line. It’s as simple as that. I mean, I think the pace of the car was pretty strong all day, but it was tough in the dirty air.”

“There was nothing between us, but track position was really key at the start. The team did an exceptional job, and our stops were good. Overall, it was a good, clean day.”