Mostert Too Quick

Qualifying fast man Chaz Mostert isn't slowing down, backing up his Queensland form and taking race one at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Pouncing from ARMOR ALL Pole Position and duelling teammate Mark Winterbottom into turn one, the 23-year old Pepsi Max driver took control of the 16-lap race early and didn't falter.

He finished the race with a 1.62sec lead over Winterbottom, with Red Bull's Jamie Whincup tucked in third in his first podium since Perth.

Mostert's starts have been in question this season, after surrendering pole to his teammate several times, and today's was scrutinised after a possible jump.

However, the stewards did not investigate, and Prodrive team boss Tim Edwards backed Mostert's performance.

"It was nice and tight through one but it was good to get through - I got off the line ok, it's pretty tough here to start," Mostert said.

"We're just consistent at the moment and need to try and stay there. It will be good to finish this weekend where we are ahead of the enduros."

Winterbottom, who leads the Championship, couldn't be disappointed with second place behind his teammate.

"It was a good race - he went, then stopped at the start, then went again, so not much in it. He had a fair bit of pace," Winterbottom said.

"Even second you've got to be happy... we'll try and get a win for the locals and see how we go."

While the Prodrive Falcons continued the hot streak, Whincup promised fans the Holdens would be back, earning his first podium in 12 races.

"Obviously I'm happy to get my first podium for long time," the six-time Champion said.

"At the same time a lot of Holden fans at home watching are asking, 'where's our next victory?' I assure you we're doing the absolute best we can... there's still a long way to go.

"Credit to these guys [PRA] they're doing a great job, but looking forward to the challenge of the enduros."

With Mostert out in front, the V8 Supercars settled into a rhythm around the 3.905km circuit.

Prodrive stablemate David Reynolds was fourth in the order, Craig Lowndes fifth and it was a drag to the finish for Andre Heimgartner and Rick Kelly fighting over sixth, with the Nissan prevailing.

Click here for full race results.

An incident between Nick Percat and Dale Wood at the back of the pack will be investigated post-race.

Jack Perkins, who was substituting for the injured James Courtney in the Holden Racing Team #22 Commodore, finished 19th.

The V8 Supercars will hit the track for the second 60km race of the day, this time on soft tyres, at 4.35pm local time.