WAU: We haven't given Percat a good enough car

Nick Percat hasn’t been given the "best widget to drive with", says Walkinshaw Andretti United boss Bruce Stewart.

Percat is 16th in the standings after five rounds, having recorded five top 10s in 15 starts.

The WAU recruit scored finishes of 14th, 16th, and 15th across the three Winton races last weekend.

It came after Percat recorded finishes of 21st, 18th and 15th in Perth.

Of the 25 full-time drivers, Percat is 20th for average race start this season.

Speaking on Supercars’ Cool Down Lap podcast, Stewart detailed three core points behind Percat’s slow start.

"One, our car drives differently to what he’s been used to the last five to six years," Stewart said.

"Two, we clearly haven’t given him the best widget to drive with.

"The crew, and how we engage and build that car around Nick, we need to be better at.

"Three, our cars and how we’ve performed, we’ve got work to do."

That’s not to say Percat has been completely off the pace in 2022.

After five rounds, only Tim Slade has gained more positions in the 15 races than Percat.

Stewart reiterated that WAU has been inconsistent this season, a point evidenced by the team's Perth performance.

Chaz Mostert won races in Sydney and Albert Park, but joined Percat in back-row lockouts at Wanneroo Raceway.

In fact, neither Mostert or Percat were able to crack the top 10 in any Perth session.

Percat this week said told media that he is line-ball with Mostert in race trim, but lacks in qualifying.

The 2011 Bathurst winner added that a "small thing in the front end" needs to be found to unlock his speed.

Stewart said once that happens, seeing Percat racing at the front with be a "great moment" for the team.

"We were super competitive in Sydney and strong at the Grand Prix," Stewart said.

"But we’ve had other rounds where we’ve been outside the window, and we’ve got a lot of work to do.

"One thing I know, having known Nick a long time and the talent he possesses, once he gets the right car, he’ll surprise everyone.

"I’m personally waiting for that moment when he’s fighting with Chaz at the front.

"That’ll be a great moment for WAU, and all the fans who’ve followed him for a long time."

The 2022 season will resume in Darwin next month. Purchase your tickets now.