Craig Lowndes scores first COTF win in Adelaide

Craig Lowndes became the first to win in the new Car Of The Future (COTF) regulations as he crossed the line over 20 seconds from his closest competitor in the first race of the 2013 V8 Supercars season in Adelaide.
“It’s been sensational. It’s been a hell of a Christmas for the team at Red Bull Racing Australia. To get out here in front of the massive crowd is sensational,” said Lowndes.

As pole position man Shane van Gisbergen stalled on the grid and retired later due to engine problems, Lowndes took command early and was able to pull clear from the rest of the field in his Holden VF Commodore.
“I think (the new car) suits my style a bit better than last year. I can throw it through the corner and look after the tyres. We’ve still got more to come. I can’t say any more – it’s been a hell of a day,” said Lowndes.

Will Davison was best Ford driver in second, ahead of Jamie Whincup in third. Fabian Coulthard was right up in the fight for a podium in the early stages, but lost a lot of ground as he had to pit for technical problems.

Alexandre Premat scored his best ever V8 Supercars finish in fourth, closing in on Whincup towards the end of the race.

James Courtney was final driver in to the top five ahead of Scott McLaughlin and Garth Tander. Jonathon Webb, Alex Davison and Russell Ingall rounded off the top ten.

Best Nissan driver was Rick Kelly in eleventh, with Tim Slade as best Mercedes driver in 15th position.

The 78 lap race was uninterrupted by the safety car for the third time ever in V8 Supercars history and a total of 80 200 spectators watched the race.