Round 13, Falken Tasmania Challenge, Symmons Plains, Tasmania
SP TOOLS Racing Shane van Gisbergen produced a stunning performance to finish fifth in the first race of the Falken Tasmania Challenge at Symmons Plains today.
The 19 year old van Gisbergen again produced a display that belied his age, bursting through the pack in the wet conditions from 16th on the grid up to third after only four laps.
He stayed out as the weather worsened before pitting on lap 23. However he made a slight mistake on his first corner with cold tyres which pushed him back to 11th. Making up ground as the track improved, van Gisbergen again produced an eye-catching performance to finish fifth and challenging Will Davison for fourth.
Shane van Gisbergen, #9, SP Tools Racing Falcon:
“We made up quite a few spots at the start and got into third pretty quick when Tander went off. The car seems to suit those conditions and I seem to be able to go alright in them.
“The wet is good fun as well. You can throw the car around and get in to it, so I was enjoying myself out there. There’s a lot more variables in it and I was able to try a few things.
“We were seeing it getting wetter and wetter and the guys with wets started to put times in to us. Unfortunately I sent off leaving the pits so that cost us a bit of time. I just under-steered there on cold tyres.
“Whe n it was at its wettest we were holding position and when it started to dry I was able to make some gains.
“Fifth is a great start for the weekend. Hopefully we can stay up there tomorrow and finish off the weekend strong.