Walkinshaw: 'Soul-searching' required despite win

Ryan Walkinshaw says there will be some “soul-searching” for his team despite Darwin ending on a high.

Chaz Mostert helped Walkinshaw Andretti United back into the winners’ circle in Sunday’s finale.

It came after Mostert was subject to dual disqualifications; one in Friday practice, and another in Saturday’s race.

Mostert lost his fourth position from Race 16 after an air blower was placed into his front bumper.

The team announced its intention to appeal, which was later rejected by Motorsport Australia.

Mostert’s stunning Sunday performance ensured WAU left Darwin with silverware.

However, Walkinshaw knew the team could have achieved much more.

“We made too many mistakes this weekend,” he told Supercars’ Cool Down Lap podcast.

“We’ve got some soul-searching and some big conversations we need to have when we get back to the workshop.

“We made it difficult for ourselves; we could've had a much better race weekend.

“It was good to come out on a high with the win for Chaz. It was great TV.

“Those last 10-15 laps were awesome.”

Darwin was the first weekend for WAU with its new engineering line-up.

Nick Percat was engineered by Grant McPherson, with Geoffrey Slater departing the team.

Caul Faux oversaw the engineering squad, and was rewarded by representing the team on the Race 18 podium.

Walkinshaw was pleased the see the results pay early dividends, with recruit Percat also finding confidence.

“We’ve been inconsistent this season; back end of last year, we were quite strong,” Walkinshaw said.

“That was the engineering group we had in Bathurst, which was the best performance we’ve had in a decade.

“It was a tough call, it’s a tough industry, but we wanted to go back to that winning formula.

“Nick’s getting a lot more confidence, he’s working well with Grant, his performance has already improved.

“It will improve in Townsville with a few things we’ve found that we can work on.

“Chaz getting the win today was a sign that when we get it right, we can go and win races."