Engine change for Mostert car

Walkinshaw Andretti United is racing the clock to change the engine in Chaz Mostert’s car.

Mostert qualified third and fifth for Sunday’s two races at Sandown.

The 2021 Bathurst winner was just 0.02s from pole for Race 25.

As teams debriefed post-session, it was a far more frantic scene in the WAU garage.

The entire front-end of Mostert’s car was removed as mechanics began a spirited engine change.

A team spokesperson said the team detected high water pressure in the engine.

Rather than risk it in the race, the team has opted to change the engine.

There were less than two hours between the conclusion of Race 26 qualifying and Race 25.

Mostert himself was in the garage cleaning the car as mechanics carried on.

Mostert is fifth in the championship, 82 points ahead of Broc Feeney, who qualified alongside the #25 Commodore for Race 25.

It wasn't the only dramatic scene in pit lane during Sunday morning qualifying.

Eventual Race 26 pole-sitter Will Davison was forced into the lane in the first session with a smoking car.

Davison suffered an electrical fire, with his Shell V-Power Racing Team Mustang cabin filling with smoke.

A plug failed, causing an electrical short. A wiring loom was burnt out, and the battery was replaced.

The Saturday winner was forced to alight from his car, and watched on as mechanics completed a quick fix.

Davison plummeted from second to 11th, but managed to return for the following session.

The quick fix proved beneficial, with Davison soaring to a second pole in as many days.

Race 26 qualifying ended at 11:20am local time, with the race to start at 1:05pm.