Defending Supercars champion Chaz Mostert will start the Bathurst 1000 from 16th position on the grid, missing out on a place in Saturday’s Top 10 Shootout. Mostert, along with co-driver Fabian Coulthard, will compete in Toyota’s debut at the event, seeking redemption following a difficult result at Mount Panorama last year.

Mostert, who races for Walkinshaw TWG Racing, has previously won the Bathurst 1000 from last on the grid in 2014, one of the race’s most notable victories. Drawing on that experience, he expressed confidence that he and Coulthard can challenge strongly despite their mid-pack starting position. “I’ve proved you can win it from last, you can win it from first, and Bathurst always throws a spanner in the mix,” Mostert said after the final practice session on Saturday.

He highlighted the strengths of his team and the support from fans as key factors in maintaining optimism. “I’ve got a fantastic co-driver and I’ve got one of the best teams in pit lane and all of the fans have been revving me up and giving me all the fuel that I need. I’m going to say we’re always a chance, never count us out,” he added.

Mostert noted that the 16th place start could allow for more flexible race strategies. He indicated that being “buried in the mid-pack” might afford the team freedom to take risks and to try different approaches without the pressure that comes from leading the field or being at the very back. “If you just do the same thing everybody else does, you’re probably going to end up with the same result,” he said.

Regarding race starting duties, Mostert said it was not certain who would begin the event, but regardless, the pair would focus on making progress. He emphasized the different tactical considerations depending on grid position, noting that those at the back must aggressively work toward the front, while front-runners face the constant challenge of defending against rivals.

As Toyota makes its debut in the Bathurst 1000, Mostert’s outlook embodies a combination of resilience and willingness to experiment strategically, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the race and the opportunities it presents for drivers and teams across the field.