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Skaife impressed by De Pasquale, Waters intent

12 Jul 2022
Ford duo roughed up SVG in separate incidents
2 mins by James Pavey
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Mark Skaife was impressed by Cam Waters and Anton De Pasquale’s renewed aggression towards Shane van Gisbergen.

Ford duo Waters and De Pasquale roughed up the points leader on both days in Townsville.

It led to two very different outcomes; first Waters hit the rear of van Gisbergen early in Saturday’s race at Turn 2.

Waters signalled his intentions with the contact, but ensured van Gisbergen retained position.

It was De Pasquale’s contact with van Gisbergen on Sunday, however, which stole the headlines.

Van Gisbergen was sent into a spin at the final corner by De Pasquale.

De Pasquale turns SVG at the final corner

It was the first time this season that drivers first and second in the points had come together.

For Skaife, the two incidents represented the Ford duo letting know van Gisbergen was going to have company until season’s end.

De Pasquale and Waters are 274 and 330 points behind van Gisbergen respectively.

“There are two things that have come to the fore,” Supercars Hall of Famer Skaife said on Supercars Trackside.

“Waters took it straight to him [at the start of Race 19].

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“Then that last-minute lunge from De Pasquale, that was excellent.

“You’ve got to do that stuff.”

Sunday Press Conference: NTI Townsville 500

Garth Tander was equally impressed, and reiterated that van Gisbergen will respond to the challenge.

Townsville comes ahead of Tailem Bend, where the Mustang has had the edge over the Commodore.

Mustangs have won 10 of 11 races at The Bend dating back to 2019.

“We’ve been asking them to [take it to van Gisbergen] and they’re starting to do that,” Tander said.

“We’re starting to see a bit strategy being dictated to Red Bull, as opposed to them dictating strategy.

“Shane’s been asking for the battle; he’s up for it, we know he likes going street racing.

“It’s great to see Cam leaning on him a little bit at the start of the race, letting him know he’s there.

“Then Anton saying, ‘If you’re playing games with tyres, leave the door open and I’m coming on in’.”

The 2022 season will resume at the OTR Bend SuperSprint on July 30-31. Purchase your tickets now.

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