Pole Position Dominance at Mount Panorama
In a scene that echoed the recent Bathurst history, Brodie Kostecki delivered a flawless one-lap masterclass to claim his third consecutive Bathurst 1000 pole. The Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout produced a familiar image at the front of the grid, with Kostecki timing in at 2:04.0413s, just fractions off his Friday Gen3 record of 2:04.0307s. The result extended a remarkable streak for Kostecki, who has now secured four poles in the season and further cemented his status as the man to beat at Mount Panorama.
Shootout Highlights and the Order You Needed to See
The session built toward a familiar script: Ford on pole position, with Cam Waters, Chaz Mostert, and Ryan Wood forming the first all-Ford top four since 1990. Waters posted a 2:04.2173s to lead mid-session, while Mostert’s 2:04.3582s left him just shy of the ultimate pace. Ryan Wood, chasing a maiden Bathurst pole, briefly sat in the mix with a 2:04.4426s before Kostecki’s final run reset expectations at the Mountain. The field’s balance looked shrewd, with several contenders posting solid times as the track continued to reward precision into the mid-afternoon sun.
Rivals and Redemptions
The Shootout also showcased the endurance and risk of this iconic race. Nick Percat’s early quick time was challenged by a lock-up into Murray’s Corner that nudged his pace back. Cameron Hill and others chased the top spot, while Anton De Pasquale sought redemption for Team 18 after a prior crash incident involving Harri Jones, ending the session with a respectable effort in the upper part of the field. Cooper Murray and others used the run to stake their claim, underscoring the competitive depths of the field at the Mountain.
What This Pole Means for Tomorrow’s Race
Securing pole at Bathurst is about more than one fast lap—it sets the tone for the Great Race, where strategy, reliability, and driver-crew coordination will play pivotal roles. Kostecki’s words reflected both gratitude and anticipation: he could clearly feel the support from the stands and the many Ford fans out on the hill, promising a passionate atmosphere for the race to come. He also highlighted the importance of sharing the car with co-driver Toddy Hazelwood, recognizing that the pole intention must translate into a strong, sustainable pace for the two-driver sprint to the finish line.
Context: A Weekend of Weather, Sunshine, and High Stakes
With Bathurst basked in sunshine, the stage was set for a contest that rewards precision over volume. The leaderboard provided a snapshot of a hyper-competitive field where every hundredth counts, and Kostecki’s ability to keep understeer in check through Hell Corner was a telling sign of a driver who understood the nuances of the track. As the clock wound down, the pole position felt like a reaffirmation of Kostecki’s consistent speed across a season that continues to test both driver and team in the most challenging conditions Mount Panorama presents.
Looking Ahead
All eyes will now turn to Sunday’s great race, where Kostecki and Hazelwood will aim to convert pole into victory. If history is any guide, the combination of a perfect qualifying lap and a well-executed race strategy could deliver a potential Bathurst triumph, echoing the recent trend of pole-sitters making a strong impact in the Great Race.
