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Whincup all clear

22 Nov 2015
A post-race investigation of the Whincup-Winterbottom incident determined no breach of the rules in the battle for third place at Phillip Island.
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Winterbottom 'It was a good move'

After investigating the last lap incident between Jamie Whincup and Mark Winterbottom at Prodrive's request, no breach of the rules has been established.

The late dive from Whincup at MG spiced up the closing minutes of WD-40 Phillip Island SuperSprint's 200km race, as the Falcon's lead over Whincup and grasp on third position disappeared.

While Driving Standards Observer Jason Bargwanna determined the move legal at the time, teams have the opportunity to file a request for investigation within 30 minutes of the race finish.

Both drivers were 'cool' with the move, which meant a Red Bull 1-3 on the podium after Craig Lowndes' win over Scott McLaughlin.

"Many years I've been racing the last few rounds and everybody's going gung-ho so it was my opportunity to do the same thing," six-time champion Whincup said.

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"All out, saw an opportunity just down the inside and happy days - I figured, there's a good chance he'll win the war, I may as well have a crack at winning the battle."

On the TV coverage Winterbottom commended the move and said he had no issue with Whincup's pass.

"I tried to hold on for third but he had a go and being seven-tenths a lap slower I was just trying to hold on - we had a go and finished fourth," Winterbottom said.

Earlier this evening Prodrive boss Tim Edwards indicated they would not filean official protest over the pass.

After an incident between the two drivers at Sydney Motorsport Park, Prodrive chose to pursue a penalty further but did not get any joy from the stewards' review, which took place at Sandown before the commencement of the weekend.

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