Jones relishing career-best finish

An elated Macauley Jones was "really happy" with a career-best result in the Albert Park opener.

Jones crossed the line sixth in the chaotic Race 6, which was won by Chaz Mostert.

It marked the best solo finish for Jones, who is in his fourth full-time season.

Jones launched from eighth and negated the tyre dramas to convert to sixth in the 20-lap sprint.

The Brad Jones Racing driver firmed as a podium contender early in the race as drivers on Soft tyres began to struggle.

However, Jones lost ground to Nick Percat, Tim Slade and a charging Shane van Gisbergen late on.

It was a strong turnaround for the 27-year-old after difficult qualifying sessions on Friday morning.

“There’s a lot going on out there that’s for sure,” Jones said of the track conditions.

“I’m really happy for us, we had good qualifying yesterday and capitalised on it today.

“We got a good start, chipped away and tried to conserve the rear tyre as much as possible.

“It is pretty tough, you’re hanging on a fair bit when it gets loose, especially in the first part of the Softs.

“I also had a helmet fan fail and no cool suit, might have to fix that for tomorrow.”

Jones was the best of the BJR quartet, with closest teammate Bryce Fullwood in 10th.

Jack Smith finished 12th ahead of Andre Heimgartner in 14th.

Jones will start 19th for Race 7 and 18th for Race 8, which will both be held on Saturday.

Cars will return to the track at Saturday for Race 7 at 10:25am AEST.