Why Kostecki was the Sandown standout

Brodie Kostecki was the "highlight" of the rain-soaked Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint finale, according to Greg Murphy.

Kostecki scored his maiden podium in just his 11th championship race start, with the Erebus Motorsport rookie only led by championship leader Shane van Gisbergen.

The 23-year-old’s performance came amid treacherous wet conditions, with Kostecki overcoming car gremlins at the start of the weekend to climb from P7 to P2 in Race 5.

Murphy commended compatriot van Gisbergen on his victory in the water-logged race, but had higher praise for Kostecki.

"We can talk about Shane all night, but on the weekend, in the wet on Sunday afternoon, the highlight was Kostecki for me,” Murphy said on Supercars’ new Facebook show, Tuesday Night Takeaway.

”He's got that raw natural talent.

"I’ve been a fan of watching him for a long time.”

Kostecki rebounded from car issues in practice to qualify ninth for Race 3, but he plummeted to 17th following a number of incidents.

When the heavens opened on Sunday, Erebus’ young star returned with aplomb, rising 10 places from 23rd to 13th in the wet-dry Race 4.

Murphy, who was in the commentary booth for much of Kostecki’s rise through the Super2 ranks, explained why he was so impressed by Kostecki’s wet-weather mastery.

"The wet can sometimes be a leveller, and sometimes it really does highlight that talent,” the four-time Bathurst winner explained.

"It’s just another string in the bow as far as his talent goes.

"I was so stoked for him and what it means for up-and-coming and for young drivers in Supercars.

"I can’t wait to see what else he does in 2021."

Kostecki heads to next month’s trip to Symmons Plains 10th in the standings, with Erebus teammate Will Brown 15th.

The Repco Supercars Championship field will return to Symmons Plains for the Beaurepaires Tasmania SuperSprint across April 10-11. Tickets are on sale now.

The event will be broadcast live on Foxtel and will be streamed on Kayo.