Mostert undone by power steering issue

Chaz Mostert is in danger of losing his points lead after a lowly run to 13th in Tasmania qualifying.

The championship leader was one of two major scalps, along with Anton De Pasquale, in the middle part of qualifying.

Mostert appeared to be dealing with a power steering issue throughout Q2 and qualified 13th, with Cam Waters later securing pole.

Mostert leads De Pasquale by 12 points, with Shane van Gisbergen a further 15 points behind.

Van Gisbergen missed out on pole and was out-qualified by teammate Broc Feeney.

However, the reigning champion is in the box seat to regain the points lead he lost after the Sydney finale.

Mostert's #25 Mobil 1 Optus Commodore was leaking fluid in pit lane, with smoke billowing from behind the car on track.

Mostert was on the bubble in 10th during the final runs before he was demoted to 13th.

Walkinshaw Andretti United later changed the power steering hose on the #25.

It comes after Tim Slade suffered power steering dramas in Practice 1. Scott Pye’s car was also fitted with a new steering rack on Saturday.

Tickford Racing was also forced to undergo repairs on Jake Kostecki's car after he ground to a halt in Practice 2.

Mostert will start behind De Pasquale, who also failed to reach Q3 and will start 12th.

De Pasquale’s teammate Will Davison, who is fifth in the standings, will start alongside Waters for the race.

“It’s all quite tight out there; we’ll start where we start,” De Pasquale said.

When asked what he was lacking, he replied: “A little bit of everything; we’re working at it.

“We’re trying to find a couple of things to get it in the window, but it’s small around here.

“We’ll throw a bit of strategy at it, and we’ll see what we’ve got."

Cars will return to the track for the 44-lap Race 3 at 4:55pm AEDT. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.

Every session of the event will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and streamed on Kayo.

The Seven Network will broadcast highlights on Saturday and Sunday.