The new kids on the Mount Panorama block arrive at Bathurst off the back of a mighty enduro debut at Tailem Bend.
For the first time since the 1998 Super Touring Bathurst 1000, Toyota will have a presence in the Great Race. However, this time they're not just an also ran, they are a genuine chance.
Chaz Mostert and Fabian Coulthard romped home to an emphatic win at the AirTouch 500 at The Bend, and enter Bathurst as the favourite combination, as voted by Supercars fans.
But are all the question marks around the developing package answered, or will Mount Panorama punish any lingering questions about the package?
Are Toyota now favourites?
Few could've anticipated Toyota to come out all guns blazing in enduro trim at The Bend, especially after what was a circumspect qualifying performance. Race pace - especially for the #1 Supra of Mostert/Coulthard was absolutely electric, whilst Brad Jones Racing also had their Supras move forward considerably, with Andre Heimgartner/Bryce Fullwood finishing a fine eighth. It was enough for reigning Bathurst champion Matt Payne to declare that Toyota could very well be the favourites on the Mountain. Time will tell.
Is reliability no longer a concern?
All five Supras passed their first enduro test with flying colours, all reaching the chequered flag. 500km of racing more than doubled their previous longest race distance completed in Supercars of 200km, which hadn't been completed through engine dramas on several occasions through the Sprint Cup. With the "B-grade" engine introduced to squash reliability concerns around the valvetrain, there were concerns when Mostert's new engine let go in Ipswich. However, those questions were silenced in their first major enduro test.
Will the package be competitive in the right spots?
Engine performance and braking stability is king at Mount Panorama, with the best passing opportunities coming at the bottom of the circuit from The Chase through to Griffins Bend. Whilst the Toyota camp have admitted from the start of the season that the engine program has been a work in progress, there appeared to be a big stride forward on the engine front at The Bend. Bathurst will be the biggest test of all on the engine front, and if they pass it could open the door to a major championship assault through the Finals.
Is having both Walkinshaw drivers locked into Finals a blessing or a curse?
Though not officially locked in yet, it's but a mere formality that Walkinshaw TWG Racing will have both of their charges locked into Finals by the end of 1000km. Last year, it was a freak fuel leak that took Ryan Wood out of title contention early on the Gold Coast, allowing him to play wingman as Chaz Mostert swept to a maiden title. However, Wood is in such a position where he can afford to have a swing at Bathurst redemption despite not officially holding down a Finals berth, and will be eager to make it past the Gold Coast come Finals time.
Can BJR shake their Bathurst curse?
Since they last climbed the Bathurst podium with Cameron McConville and the late Jason Richards in 2009, Brad Jones Racing have been through the Bathurst wringer. But, with a brand new manufacturer could bring a new dawn for the Albury squad, who remain desperate to climb the top step on the Mountain. The combination of Andre Heimgartner and Bryce Fullwood is arguably one of the strongest the team have taken to Bathurst in recent years, and could produce something incredible if given the opportunity.
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of Supercars, teams or drivers.
