Matt Campbell is basking in the glory of his first Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup victory after just his fourth start at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
The 22-year-old from Warwick in regional Queensland described the win as the best and most important of his short but impressive career.
In just three events this year Campbell has claimed three pole positions, a win, a third and two fifth-place finishes to put him third in the championship on 60 points; 18 behind German Michael Ammermuller, who won the opening three races and finished second at the Red Bull Ring.
“That would have to be the best win of my career for sure,” Campbell told Speedcafe.com.
“You are in such a tough field here in the world’s best one-make series which is Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
“Obviously the calibre of driver is very high and it is on the international stage.
“It is definitely my most important win to date and I could not be happier.”
Campbell dominated the race from the opening lap, but a late Safety Car put him under plenty of pressure. The young Aussie paced the field into the final lap and then accelerated away to win the race from Ammermuller and Luxemburg’s Dylan Periera.
It was only the second time in Campbell’s career that he had paced a re-start.
“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to be honest because they left the safety car quite late,” said Campbell.
“I wasn’t sure if we were going to continue for another two laps or get safety car and finish under safety car conditions.
“I was quite surprised we got a safety car given how late we went, but thankfully it didn’t affect me, but if definitely put a little more pressure on at the finish.
“Thankfully there was a big enough gap coming off the last corner and I was able to maintain it.”
The victory was even a little more special for Campbell with his mum Angela, aunt Teresa and grandmother Sharon watching on from the stands.
“It was extremely cool to have mum, my aunty and grandmother at the track.
“Especially when I was standing on the podium and I could see them in the grandstand as well.
“It was a fantastic moment for them to be here and see me on the podium getting my first win on their first ever trip over here.
“To see them with the phones and yelling out was very special.
“I could not ask for a better weekend all round.”
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup continues at Silverstone in the UK next weekend.
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