Chaz Mostert expects to be equipped with the best Prodrive Falcon he has ever had at Queensland Raceway next week but is unsure if it will be enough to challenge the front runners.
Mostert’s Prodrive squad has found itself third in the Supercars championship pecking order behind pacesetters DJR Team Penske and Triple Eight heading into the Coates Hire Ipswich Super Sprint (July 28-30).
The Queenslander believes the Melbourne team has delivered a car which is ‘night and day’ better than last year’s package, but a raising of the bar by DJRTP and Triple Eight has left them chasing car speed.
After a difficult Darwin, Mostert says he is proud of the team’s turnaround at Townsville, and is optimistic that there is more pace to come with upgrades in the pipeline.
Mostert is the only driver outside of DJRTP and Triple Eight to win a race this year when he triumphed at Phillip Island in April.
The win is one of four visits to the podium for Prodrive across its four Falcons this year.
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“I think the way our car has been travelling this year it will be the best it (the Falcon) has even been there (at Queensland Raceway),” Mostert told Speedcafe.com.
“Will it be enough? I don’t know we will just see how we go, I’d like to get up there.
“I guess it is small things (that are proving the difference). The car has actually been night and day better than what it was last year which is a big positive that we have been able to turn that around massively.
“We have got to keep building momentum and keep getting those top fives, and we are still waiting for some upgrades to come along.
“It is just speed that we can’t really control but fingers crossed it (the upgrades) will get us in the mix.”
Motivated by the arrival of updates in both the engine and chassis departments, Mostert is hopeful the developments will close the gap to DJRTP and Triple Eight.
“It is good to see the guys at the workshop working hard in the background and everyone is trying day and night to get these things in action,” he said.
“Hopefully it gives us the edge we need to get amongst it.
“There are some upgrades coming in the engine area and some upgrades in other areas and hopefully with a few one percenters here and there we can be right in it.
“It is very good to have something in the pipeline but until its proven on track you can’t get too excited about it.”
Mostert has been the subject of contract talks with the team working to ensure the former Bathurst 1000 winner extends his stay at the outfit.
The 25-year-old agreed a new two-year contract back in 2015, which included an additional two-year option.
“My main focus is going to Queensland Raceway and if there is anything to be said it will come from the team and team principal Tim Edwards,” he said, when asked about his contract situation.
“I’ve worked with the team for a long time and it would be sad not to keep something going so we will see what happens.”
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