After an excellent start from the front row of the grid, Coates Hire Racings Nick Percat strong run ended with a mechanical failure and retirement in the third Carrera Cup race, at the F1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix.

Percat was running a strong second to defending champion Craig Baird through the opening lap, but ran wide exiting turn seven and immediately fell to fifth. Over the remainder of the lap he continued to drop down the order as he headed to the pits and retirement.

Craig Baird went on to win the race from Warren Luff and Steven Richards. Baird also won the round from Luff, with Richards third.Despite the non-finish, Percat finished fifth overall for the round.

It was disappointing to have our first mechanical failure after my best start of the season. I am pleased to come away with fifth overall in the Coates Hire Racing Porsche and am already looking forward to the next round.