How Courtney raced himself into contention

An early stop and targeted pace kept James Courtney in the hunt for a breakthrough victory.

Courtney edged towards a first win since Adelaide 2016 after an early stop in Race 12.

However, the 2010 champion was pipped to the post by series leader Shane van Gisbergen.

Courtney held onto second after a late Safety Car, helping himself to a first podium since November 2021.

It could have come much sooner had Courtney capitalised on strong pace in Melbourne last month.

Courtney was turned out of podium contention by Chaz Mostert in Race 7 at Albert Park.

While a win went begging, Courtney was delighted to return to the rostrum.

"I could smell it last round, and it didn't happen," he said of Albert Park.

"It's great to have champagne all over me again.

"It was a crazy day... it's great to be racing at the front.

"The car was great. Scaff [engineer Sam Scaffidi] said, 'Do a 55.5'.

"Straight from the out-lap, I kept punching out 55.5s as long as I could, and really look after the tyre."

Courtney held a two-second margin as van Gisbergen battled with Will Davison.

However, the 14-lap tyre difference quickly reared its head, and van Gisbergen motored past on lap 40.

The Safety Car was called seconds later, but van Gisbergen had enough pace in the bank after the restart.

Courtney's track position was a surprise altogether for van Gisbergen, who helped himself to a second win of the weekend.

Courtney admitted he didn't have enough to fight van Gisbergen, but was pleased to convert the strategy into a trophy.

"Those last couple of laps, Shane started to catch me and turned up the heat," he said.

"I just couldn't have the drive off the corner to keep him behind me. But it's great racing.

"Shane said he didn't realise I was the leader.

"We decided to pit really early and get some clean air. Scaff said it was going to be tough, because it's a long run.

"It was a great job by everyone, and it's a pleasure to drive when everything's working nicely."