Red Bull Holden Racing Team's pair of Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen enjoyed contrasting fortunes at the Australian Grand Prix, but both leave Melbourne licking their wounds.
Seven-times series champion Whincup conceded the category's dominant cars were probably around "fifth or sixth" in the pack due to the relentless pace of the new Ford entry.
Scott McLaughlin took his Mustang to three more race wins, consolidating his series lead, while fellow Ford driver Chaz Mostert took the overall meet win and the Larry Perkins Perpetual Trophy for his consistent drives.
Whincup hung tough, thanks in part to the staggering crash of McLaughlin and Cam Waters in the warm-up lap on Saturday, as Van Gisbergen spun out.