How test day set Mostert on fast Perth path
Supercars
18 May
Chaz Mostert fastest in Friday Perth practice
WAU recently tested at Winton Motor Raceway
Mostert also happy with race car performance
A recent test day has helped Chaz Mostert feeling he has a "better platform” heading into race day than the first three rounds of the season.
The Walkinshaw Andretti United driver ended Friday on top of the time sheet at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint.
A fast lap time set in the opening minutes delivered Mostert the Friday headline, just days after WAU rolled both cars out at Winton Motor Raceway.
In the lead-up to Perth, teammate Ryan Wood said the test day had the team feeling confident about the event.
Speaking after practice, Mostert said the team applied much of what they learned at Winton, with the car responding well at the low grip Perth venue.
"We've implemented a lot from how we came off the test day," Mostert said.
"It was a bit of an up-and-down test day, probably until lunchtime I was really, really happy, and then we didn't get much of a read in the afternoon.
"This session was about further testing the items we didn't quite get a read on, and to be honest I still thought they were quite good.
"Touch wood, I think we've got a better platform than what we had for the first three rounds of the year.
"Here is a very different track, it's very hot and you don't get a lot of feedback and grip, but our car worked a lot better than it did even at a high grip track."
Critically, Mostert is also confident about his race pace, having completed long runs during Friday’s 60-minute session, which ended early after a crash for Cameron Hill.
While Hill’s crash somewhat masked the true form guide, given several drivers — including points leader Will Brown — didn’t show their full hand, Mostert has happy with his race car.
"The car felt pretty good out of the gate, we went pretty aggressive in the session and probably made it a lot better,” Mostert said.
"We focused more on the race car towards the end of the session, and I think our race car is quite good. Tomorrow's 20-minute session was always about focusing on qualifying for us.
"You know what it's like, it is only Friday practice, who knows what tyres everyone is using and vice versa, but at the moment I'm very happy with my race car."
The two-time Bathurst winner also has extra luck on his side — a special sock choice, courtesy of newborn daughter Everly.
"Little Everly picked some fast socks for me for the weekend, so hopefully I haven't peaked too soon on the favourite pair of socks," Mostert quipped.
"I might have to commit to the next three days with this pair."
Supercars will return to the track on Saturday for the short Practice 2 at 9:15am AWST/11:15am AEST, followed by knockout Boost Mobile Qualifying at 12:00pm AWST/2:00pm AEST.
The first 55-lap race of the weekend, Race 9, will commence at 3:45pm AWST/5:45pm AEST. International viewers can follow all the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint action on Superview. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
