hero-img

Van Gisbergen overwhelmed by WRC podium

03 Oct 2022
Kiwi ’tired’ after cameo, but keen for Bathurst
2 mins by James Pavey
Advertisement

Shane van Gisbergen is “tired” yet confident heading to Bathurst after a successful World Rally Championship debut.

Van Gisbergen and co-driver Glen Weston finished third in the WRC2 division in Repco Rally New Zealand.

The Supercars driver’s debut set the WRC world alight, given his relative lack of rally experience.

Van Gisbergen not only scored a class podium, but brought home points with ninth overall.

The 33-year-old’s short rally career boasts a number of front-running results.

He was first in class and 15th overall in the 2020 City of Auckland Rally.

He finished on the podium on his Australian Rally Championship debut, and won the Far North Rally.

However, scoring a podium on the world stage took the cake for the 72-time Supercars race winner.

"The whole weekend was pretty epic,” he said.

"The weather made it pretty difficult for us all but it was all about learning and improving.

"Glen and I got better throughout the weekend - the notes got better as well.

"Such a crowd out here and such a cool stage on the Hawkeswood stage - it’s just epic.

"You can see all the fans cheering us on… this event needs to keep happening here so we can come back.”

When asked if he wants to do more rallies, he replied: "I’d love to.

"I love what I do as a job in Supercars and if I can do this outside of that I’d love to.

Advertisement

"I love the roads here in New Zealand - I’d like to do more here and get a car for the full season - that’d be quite cool.

"If the dates line up I’ll try be there.”

Should the 2023 Supercars calendar allow, van Gisbergen could also make a NASCAR Cup Series cameo.

This year, he supplemented rally starts with a 24 Hours of Le Mans debut.

He also finished on the podium at May’s LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour.

The Aucklander now has a day to rest at home before he first flies to Australia, then to Bathurst.

There, he is armed with a chance to secure his third Supercars championship.

While tired after his rally exploits, van Gisbergen is geared to attack Mount Panorama.

"This weekend was a bit like a weekend off,” he said.

"I’m a bit tired but I feel good.

"Rest tomorrow and then head to Australia and on to Bathurst on Tuesday.

"I can’t wait."

Cars will hit the track at Mount Panorama for Practice 1 on Thursday.

Tickets for the Repco Bathurst 1000 are available on Supercars.com and Ticketek.

Related News

Advertisement