Kostecki delivers pointed message in championship fight

Brodie Kostecki has repeatedly insisted his goal in Tasmania is to reclaim the championship lead following the costly climax in New Zealand.

The Shell V-Power Racing Team driver heads to Symmons Plains just 23 points behind leader Broc Feeney, and 23 points ahead of Matt Payne.

Feeney seized the lead from Kostecki after the latter collided with reigning champion Chaz Mostert in the closing stages of the Ruapuna finale.

Kostecki, who claimed the lead in the Melbourne finale, had led the points for six races before the dramatic incident.

In contrast, Feeney was more than pleased to hold the lead, but insisted he wants to be winning races amid his own winless streak.

"I'm just excited to get back behind the wheel again of the Shell V-Power Ford Mustang,” Kostecki said.

“Just looking forward to having a good weekend in Tassie and hopefully bounce back and reclaim the orange numbers again."

Kostecki is hunting his first win in Tasmania, having claimed two podiums and two pole positions on the 2023 Sunday.

The 2024 Bathurst winner has ticked off wins at Taupō and Christchurch already this season, but maintained the clear goal is wresting the orange numbers back from Feeney.

“We've had some really good speed this year, and it's been really consistent as well,” Kostecki continued.

"Tassie's a very unique circuit. It's a lot different than most. It's been dominated by a few specific teams in the past.

"So I look forward to trying to obviously continuing the form that we've had as of late and, like I said, just try to get those orange numbers back.”

Track action commences at Symmons Plains on Friday.