Supercars: What has happened so far in 2020?

Before COVID-19 postponed Supercars’ 2020 campaign by more than three months, one round in Adelaide had already taken place in full.

In addition to this, both practice and qualifying sessions were completed in Albert Park, prior to the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix.

With action resuming at Sydney Motorsport Park on 27th June, here is a summary the events taken place so far this year.

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Adelaide – Race One

Seven-time champion Jamie Whincup occupied the front-row alongside fellow Holden driver David Reynolds, slipping through at Turn 1 thanks to a great launch. Controlling the race throughout with little difficulty, Whincup secured his 119th win, adding yet another win to his Adelaide collection.

Reigning champion Scott McLaughlin was typically fast, slicing through the competition as he started the race in 7th. He proved to be Whincup’s closest rival, briefly occupying 1st thanks to a different pit-stop strategy, but couldn’t quite match the pace of the Commodore after the second round of refuelling.

The podium was rounded up by the second Red Bull Holden, driven smartly by Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen, completing a bountiful opener for the team. He too made gains through the field having started in 6th, but the Mustang of McLaughlin prevented a 1-2 for the Red Bull team.

The highlight of the race was a heated battle between Will Davison, Chaz Mostert and Cam Waters in the middle of the race. Fighting for 5th, Mostert found himself stuck between the former Tickford teammates, desperately trying to overtake Davison’s Mustang for more than a lap.

Mostert, who controversially switched from Ford to Holden in the 2019/20 off-season, almost got through at Turn 5. However, he was slowed by contact from Waters, ending the great tussle, with all three drivers remaining in their original positions. Waters would eventually get past Mostert, finishing 6th and 7th, respectively.

“I had a rocket today. The car was excellent, we made the most of pole position. I’ve got to dedicate this one to Holden – it’s been a bloody tough week for everyone involved and is great to get a win.”

Jaime Whincup, post Adelaide race 1

Race One’s Top 10:

1. Jamie Whincup (H)*
2. Scott McLaughlin (F)
3. Shane van Gisbergen (H)
4. David Reynolds (H)
5. Will Davison (F)
6. Cam Waters (F)
7. Chaz Mostert (H)
8. Mark Winterbottom (H)
9. Rick Kelly (F)
10. Fabian Coulthard (F)

*Note – “H” indicates Holden, “F” indicates Ford.

Adelaide – Race Two

The two primary teams held the front row for the second race, with SVG on pole and McLaughlin 2nd. The Mustang launched better, and rifled into Turn 1 first. McLaughlin held off the fellow Kiwi successfully until a pit-lane mishap by the Shell V-Power Racing crew allowed van Gisbergen to pass him.

This key moment had appeared to deliver a much deserved win for Red Bull Holden, as SVG navigated the course excellently. However, his team did not put enough fuel into the car during their second stop, forcing him back into the pits for a third dose, demoting him from 1st to 4th.

On the third-to-last lap, van Gisbergen pulled up short at Turn 7 after battling with Cam Waters, the fault proving to be suspension-based. Scott McLaughlin crossed the line first comfortably, adding to his P2 finish the day prior. He ended the first round at the top of the championship standings.

2nd place deservedly went the way of Chaz Mostert, finding the podium in only his second outing in a Holden, ending a great weekend for Walkinshaw Andretti United. His former teammate Cam Waters completed the top three, with the experienced Will Davison just missing out in 4th. 

Many small incidents littered the second race, most notably at Turn 9 on the first lap – David Reynolds tagged his teammate Anton de Pasquale, causing a four-car pileup. Reynolds copped a pit-lane penalty for this move, but still finished well in 8th.

Race-winner Scott McLaughlin said:

“Full credit to Shane and his team, they really should’ve won that race. They had the faster car, so I’ll take it, we’ve got to take the luck when we can.”

Race Two’s Top 10:

1. Scott McLaughlin (F)
2. Chaz Mostert (H)
3. Cam Waters (F)
4. Will Davison (F)
5. Jamie Whincup (H)
6. Lee Holdsworth (F)
7. Nick Percat (H)
8. David Reynolds (H)
9. Fabian Coulthard (F)
10. Andre Heimgartner (F)

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Post-Adelaide Analysis

One key thing to take away from the first round is that the parity between the manufacturers this year seems perfect. In 2019, the Fords dominated the first two thirds of the season, with Holden mastering the tail-end thanks to the tweaks made on the Mustangs. Looking at the race results from Adelaide, it should be a close and unpredictable season of racing.

One team that promised a lot in 2019 was Walkinshaw Andretti United, but solid results never seemed to materialise. Chaz Mostert has started his first year in a Holden greatly, giving the WAU fans much to be excited about. I think Chaz could be a real title-contender this season.

Ahead of future rounds, the two major teams will have a lot to fix regarding their pit-lane crew and strategies. Both Shell V-Power and Red Bull Holden produced significant blunders in the lane, substantial enough to ruin fairly comfortable leads. Championship-winning teams shouldn’t be making mistakes such as these.

Championship Standings

1. Scott McLaughlin – 288pts
2. Jamie Whincup – 261pts
3. Chaz Mostert – 234pts
4. Cam Waters – 231pts
5. Will Davison – 231pts

Melbourne – Practice and Qualifying

Supporting the F1 Australian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Holden Racing Team were on fire during both Practice and Qualifying sessions in Albert Park – SVG and Whincup would have occupied either pole position in the opening two races had they gone ahead. All four qualifying sessions this year have been topped by a Red Bull Commodore.

Contrary to that success, Shell V-Power Racing Team seemed to have struggled with their cars’ setups around Melbourne. McLaughlin secured 4th and 5th on the grid, which is concerning for a man with one-lap speed like his. Teammate Coulthard found himself deep within the mid-pack, too.

Will Davison carried his impressive form from the streets of Adelaide to the streets of Melbourne, finishing third in both timed sessions. However, this has now proved to be his final outing in the series this year, as 23Red Racing went under during the COVID-19 break. James Courtney has since filled his vacant seat at Tickford Racing.

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The Virgin Atlantic Supercars Championship returns Saturday 27 June with three SuperSprint races at Sydney Motorsport Park. The 2020 season has been shortened as a result of COVID-19, with 11 rounds in total to be completed.