Shane van Gisbergen has put an end to the Ford's seven-race winning streak, claiming the second race of the weekend at Symmons Plains.

 

The Triple Eight Red Bull Racing Holden Team driver has had a rocky start to the 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship season but was back to his best in Tasmania as he also picked up a podium place in the first race of the weekend to add to his well deserved victory.

 

Starting out from pole position, van Gisbergen was in fine form as he led from start to finish throughout the race, only losing top spot temporarily to Fabian Coulthard during the second stint. 

 

After reclaiming the lead by the midway point of the 84-lap race, the New Zealander continued to build onto his lead, eventually taking out a five second victory over Coulthard, while David Reynolds took out third ahead of Championship leader Scott McLaughlin.

 

"It’s good to get one back," van Gisbergen said post-race.

 

"What an awesome race, Fabian (Coulthard) kept getting me out of the pits, and I had a great battle with him and Scotty.

 

"We’ve made a huge step forward with our car. Thanks to Red Bull Holden Racing Team, it’s been a mega weekend to bounce back from our shocker last time."

 

In the first race of the weekend, it was van Gisbergen’s fellow countryman in Mclaughlin who added to his season tally of six wins in similar fashion.

 

Taking the lead from pole sitter Mark Winterbottom off the line, McLaughlin was untroubled during the race as he and Coulthard claimed a one-two finish for Shell V-Power Racing. 

 

It was a difficult race for Winterbottom who had showed a lot of promise throughout the lead up as he fell behind van Gisbergen and settled for fourth outright.

 

For McLaughlin, it was one of the sweetest wins of the year as the team had faced a lot of scrutiny in the lead up about an advantage over the rest of the competition with the Centre of Gravity.

 

“Great job for Shell V-Power Racing to get a one-two, awesome," McLaughlin said after the first race.

 

"That one is for Ford fans and all our team. We’ve worked hard behind the scenes. There’s been a lot of stuff thrown at us, but we just fight on. We’re a strong group."

 

McLaughlin’s solid performances along with a disappointing weekend from Jamie Whincup saw the reigning champion extend his lead at the top of the Championship to 154 points over teammate Coulthard.

 

Whincup now sits third on the table, a further 36 points behind Coulthard and four points ahead of van Gisbergen.

 

It’s a short turnaround for teams, with the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship’s next round on 12-14 April at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.