Optus Mobil 1 Racing driver Chaz Mostert is relishing the challenge Gen3 is bringing following its Newcastle debut.
Labelling it a ‘beast’ in the post-race press conference where controversy ensued as Red Bull Ampol Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen gave limited answers, Mostert was excited by the early nature of Gen3.
“It’s a bit of a beast,” said Mostert. “It sounds cool, looks cool, but I’m pretty tired.”
Mostert leads the Repco Supercars Championship after Newcastle after finishing second in each of the two 250km races, but has signalled late-stint tyre wear as a key area to improve on.
“My car just really lacks the early throttle pick and that’s where I kind of hurt the tyre a lot,” he explained.
“I’m good for 20 laps, but the last 10 after that it’s a bit of a battle. Once I start to really hurt the tyre, the braking starts to struggle and stuff like that.
“We’ve definitely got some work to do. We’ve got some good data, we’ll go through it and it’s part of the challenge, it’s enjoyable.
“When you’re working with your engineer, putting bolts in different holes, it’s back to old school with no simulations or anything like that.
“It’s just go out and give the best feedback you can in the hope of seeing something in the data.”
Walkinshaw Andretti United experienced a mixed opening weekend as Nick Percat struggled in the NTI Mobil 1 Racing Ford Mustang in what was the maiden outing for the long-time Holden squad in the Blue Oval product.
The next round of the Repco Supercars Championship is supporting the Rolex Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first sprint races of the season on March 30-April 2.