Whincup anticipates Feeney response after 'stiff' AGP

Jamie Whincup believes Broc Feeney can be hard to stop by year's end if he can wrest momentum his way following a topsy-turvy start to 2025.

Feeney has qualified no worse than second through the first two rounds, but only has one win and two additional podiums to his name.

Heading to this weekend's ITM Taupō Super 440, Feeney sits third overall, 49 points behind Triple Eight teammate Will Brown and 42 behind Tickford Racing rival Cam Waters.

Feeney has arguably been the quickest driver through two rounds, yet has already encountered a number of hurdles in the races so far.

In Sydney, he plummeted from a comfortable second to 14th after suffering a puncture, lost to Waters on the run to line in Race 2, then collided with Erebus Motorsport rookie in Race 3.

After winning the Grand Prix opener from pole, Feeney was beaten to Turn 1 in the subsequent two races, first being hung out to dry by Matt Stone Racing teammates Cameron Hill and Nick Percat, before settling for second behind Brown.

In a campaign dominated by 'what-ifs', Feeney could be sitting on five wins in seven starts had the cards fallen his way, given he was also set to start from pole in the Melbourne finale that was lost to rain.

Regardless, Melbourne was a serious statement of intent by the 22-year-old, who claimed all four pole positions and displayed himself as the hunted, rather than the hunter.

When asked by Supercars.com if he was surprised by Feeney's return of serve in Melbourne, Triple Eight boss Whincup said: "No, not at all.

"I thought Broc was very stiff at the Grand Prix. He was on pole for the last race when unfortunately Mother Nature decided to take over and drop too much rain.

"His rivals, especially Will his teammate, was down the back. I think he's actually quite unlucky to still be third in the championship. I think he should be better than that.

"He's showing some great pace. He's showing great dedication. If he keeps that up, he’ll be in a good position come the end of the year."

Heading to New Zealand, Feeney leads Brown 7-0 in the qualifying head-to-head, but Brown has turned the tables to 4-2 in the races.

Not having the rub of the green to date hasn't been lost on Feeney, who knows he needs to get it right in the races despite enjoying a clear margin over on lap.

“For me, getting four pole positions and three second place starts to start the year is awesome," Feeney said after Melbourne.

"I’ve had a few things not go my way, especially at Sydney and then this weekend, just not being able to convert at the right time. But the qualifying pace is awesome.

"We probably need to not so much work on the race pace, but just on executing when it comes to race time.”

Supercars will hit the track in New Zealand on Friday with two practice sessions. Tickets are on sale now.