hero-img

Percat 'threw everything' at breakthrough result

09 Apr 2022
Nick Percat secured a maiden top five for WAU
2 mins by James Pavey
Advertisement

Nick Percat “threw everything” into his maiden top five as a Walkinshaw Andretti United driver.

Percat came home fifth in the Beaurepaires Melbourne 400 opener, which was won by teammate Chaz Mostert.

Life as a WAU driver had been unkind to Percat through the Sydney and Tasmania events.

Come Melbourne, and Percat nearly pulled off a podium finish after dramatic end to the race.

Percat was in the hunt for a podium after both Shell Fords dropped out due to tyre dramas.

Notably, Percat was embroiled in a battle triggered by an ailing Will Davison.

Shane van Gisbergen, who started 23rd, muscled by as Davison surfed the Turn 9/10 grass.

Percat chases Slade late on

Percat was left to fight for fourth with Tim Slade, who eventually claimed the position.

While disappointed to miss the podium, Percat was pleased to finally convert pace into a result.

"Had some great battles out there and a lot of fun today," he said.

"Shame to miss the podium but we threw everything at it, that’s for sure.

"Overall it’s been a good day, think we’ve found a good direction with the car, and plenty to think about overnight.

Advertisement

"Well done to Chaz on the win and the team overall, everyone is working so hard.

"It’s really cool to be a part of, especially with so much support here at the track."

Percat wasn't the only driver to score a breakthrough result; Macauley Jones finished a career-best sixth, while Garry Jacobson wound up ninth.

Jacobson finished an impressive ninth

It marked the best result for the new PremiAir Racing team in just its sixth race.

For Jacobson, it was reward for a job well done after a trying start to 2022.

“Good day out for me, top 10 result which I’m very happy with," he said.

"We got there by getting back to basics for us. After Tassie we were a little bit gutted with not being able to compete how we wanted to.

"We came out strong qualifying P15 for the first race and went aggressive with Soft tyre strategy.

"Made some passes in the first couple of laps and then responded to when the tyre was giving way like everyone else’s situation was.

"The car responded really well to the Hard tyre and was able to hunt the pack in front of us."

Cars will launch at 10:25am AEST for Race 7 on Saturday.

Related News

Advertisement