Payne accepts Mostert apology over AGP collision
Matt Payne accepts Chaz Mostert apology over clash
Mostert and Payne made contact disputing Race 6 lead
WAU star penalised and finishes P5, Payne spun again en route to P14
Matt Payne has lauded Chaz Mostert for taking responsibility for their Melbourne clash, despite seeing victory slip through his fingers for a second day in a row.
Payne and Mostert were running first and second in Race 6 when the latter locked up into the fast Turn 9, with contact seeing both Fords run through the grass.
Mostert was penalised and eventually came home fifth, while Payne battled to 14th after being turned around by Bryce Fullwood at Turn 1.
The Walkinshaw Andretti United driver went straight to Payne and Penrite Racing crew after the race, before apologising on the broadcast.
When asked on the Schick Cool Down Lap podcast if he accepted Mostert’s apology, Payne replied: “Yeah, for sure. I get over things pretty quick and it's good to see him own up and take responsibility.
"Chaz is a better driver than that. He's a world class driver and I just expect him not to make those mistakes when he's behind you.
"So yeah, it's good that he owned it. He's all about that stuff, which is really cool to see. And I really appreciate it when other drivers apologise for things, that means a lot to me.”
Mostert managed to keep pace in the championship with Triple Eight duo Will Brown and Broc Feeney, despite being hit out of podium contention by Nick Percat on Thursday, and dropped to 17th on Friday after being hit by Todd Hazelwood.
For Payne, it was another day of missed opportunities following his dramatic clash with Cam Waters while disputing the lead on Saturday.
“Yeah, it's pretty disappointing. Obviously, with the one chance we had today of getting a really good result, and I felt like I did everything right in terms of the start,” Payne said.
"You know, probably the best start I've had in two years. Got the lead and was fine, but it's just… I think Chaz is better than that to make a mistake like that.
“Like, sometimes you mess up, but yeah, you just got to give yourself a little bit of margin when you're following that close, especially at a high speed part of the track.
Mostert and Payne are third and seventh in the championship heading to the next round in New Zealand on April 19-21.
