LIVE DIARY: AGP 2018 SATURDAY

1945 Woah, what a race. From beginning to end it was an intense battle with rain on and off. When the rain hit, half the category made their pit stops, and half decided to stay out. It turns out, staying out was the better option.

Jamie Whincup – Car #1
Race 2 – First
Race 3 – Second

“We got off to a good start, we had Scotty’s (Pye) pace at the start there and we selected to stay out when it rained. We read the track conditions and the radar well and made the correct call to stay out. Scotty went off at the back straight and I was pretty close – I was hoping he got away with it because I got away with it this morning, I would’ve felt bad if I got that one and he didn’t get through his one. Well done to Scotty and his crew, they did a great job. Scott made a mistake but defended well and there was just no opportunity to pass; if there was, I would’ve taken it. Our cars aren’t ready for no lights; it would’ve been fine if it was clear skies but because it was gloomy already, the last light is a little bit earlier. I was loving it though, the cars looked cool and the new ZB lights are awesome. The decision to stay out or not is always a team decision, we always work together on those things and as a group we made the right decision today, that doesn’t always happen. We’re happy to collect some points and we’re off pole tomorrow so if we do a good job we should be able to stay there, or thereabouts.”

Shane van Gisbergen – Car #97
Race 2 – Fourth
Race 3 – 13th

“In the first race, I had a good start which was great, although I couldn’t see – everyone could see more than me. It was just a straightforward race for me, I just tried to stay out of trouble. I was around some good cars so I just followed their rain lights and I was able to get through. We had a good car today but we didn’t maximise it because we couldn’t see where we were going. The second race, we were going really well, I had another good start but the rain was a challenge. Most of our championship competitors pitted so we took the safe option and made the pit stop as well –  hindsight is wonderful, but we could’ve taken more risk there. Tomorrow, starting from dead last is going to be tough but the best thing is that it’s only 50 points for the win so we just need to maximise and score as many points as we can without making any stupid mistakes.

1900 This basically sums up the feels in the garage right now:

1830 A crash in the F1 Qualifying Session has caused delays to our race start and the rain is patchy – we’re touch and go with the wet tyres here.

1630 We’ve just had our signing session at the merchandise tent – it was great to see the sun stay out and so many of you here to say hello. We’ve got another one at 11:15 tomorrow, see you there.

1320 The race got off to an interesting start, it was raining and SVG said he couldn’t see anything (awkward). Somehow, and we don’t know how, he came finished P4. While, JDub claimed his first win of the season! Now for the CHAMPAGNE….!

Jamie Whincup of Red Bull Holden Racing Team during the Melbourne Grand Prix, Melbourne, Victoria, March 24, 2018.

1200 The first race of the day is in 40 minutes and the clouds are starting to close over. Could there be rain on the agenda today? It would definitely make things interesting.

1000 We’re having another late start today… It’s the weekend, so why not?!

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