Pye craving repeat of 2018 AGP victory

Scott Pye is “craving” a return to the winner’s circle at the Beaurepaires Melbourne SuperSprint, five years on from his breakthrough victory.

Pye, now a 314-race veteran, scored his first victory at Albert Park for Walkinshaw Andretti United in 2018.

The win came 150 races ago, with Pye scoring five podiums since — two more in 2018, and three in his first Team 18 season in 2020.

Pye is one of a handful of drivers to have won a championship race at Albert Park, along with Chaz Mostert, Shane van Gisbergen, Scott McLaughlin, Jamie Whincup and David Reynolds.

There’s reason for Pye to be excited for this weekend’s event, with Pye and Mark Winterbottom both in the top 10 after the Thrifty Newcastle 500.

Pye is equal 10th with van Gisbergen, with Winterbottom just ahead.

"The win in 2018 meant a lot obviously but to have been so long since that win as well,” Pye said.

'The win in 2018 meant a lot obviously'

“It’s something that drives me crazy and I’m craving that next win.

"Certainly it was a special day in crazy conditions and I'm sure we could see very similar conditions this weekend.

"So hopefully that works in my favour and I can get the job done again.”

This weekend’s event sees drivers and teams switch to sprint mode, with Dunlop’s Super Soft and Hard tyre required to be used in all four races.

Pye suggested there’s more to come over one lap, and knows he has to put it on the line in qualifying to give himself a chance in the races.

“The trickiest part about qualifying is you only really get one go with how long the pit lane time is and how short the session times are,” he said.

“You've got to put it on the line with one opportunity, and if you make that mistake, then you could be at the very back of the grid.

"If you nail it and you've got a quick car you be at the front. It's just a high risk, high reward nature of qualifying, which I think is exciting.

"I'm very, very confident with our cars, it's a circuit that I enjoy, so I look forward to having multiple qualifying sessions to really show what we can do.”

Cars will hit the track at the Beaurepaires Melbourne SuperSprint on Thursday for two practice sessions, two qualifying sessions and Race 3.