MATT Payne has accepted Chaz Mostert’s apology but admitted he expected more of the two-time Bathurst 1000 winner following their Sunday clash at Albert Park.
Payne was leading a Ford one-two in Race 4 of the Melbourne SuperSprint when Mostert locked a wheel under braking and made contact with the rear of the #19 Penrite Mustang.
That sent both cars carting through the grass, eventually slotting back into the lead pack in fourth and sixth, respectively.
It was the second successive day in which Payne had been caught up in a costly Lap 2 battle for the lead, after he and Cam Waters crashed out of the Saturday race.
While blame was ultimately not apportioned in either direction on that occasion, Mostert was quick to apologise for the Sunday incident, for which he copped a five-second penalty.
Payne voiced his appreciation was Mostert’s apology.
“I get over things pretty quick and it’s good to see him own up and take responsibility,” the Kiwi young gun said via Supercars’ Schick Cool Down Lap podcast.
“Chaz is a better driver than that. He’s a world-class driver and I just expect him not to make those mistakes when he’s behind you.
“So yeah, it’s good that he owned it. He’s all about that stuff, which is really cool to see.
“And I really appreciate it when other drivers apologise for things, that means a lot to me.”
Payne nevertheless was disappointed, having been in line for potentially the second race win of his Repco Supercars Championship career. His Sunday went from bad to worse when he was then turned around by the ailing Middy’s Camaro of Bryce Fullwood.
“(It was) probably the best start I’ve had in two years. Got the lead and was fine, but it’s just… I think Chaz is better than that to make a mistake like that,” he added.
“Like, sometimes you mess up, but yeah, you just got to give yourself a little bit of margin when you’re following that close, especially at a high-speed part of the track.”
It was a frustrating weekend for Mostert too, who’d been involved in clashes with Nick Percat and Todd Hazelwood in the opening two races of the round.
Mostert retains third in the championship, while Payne has slipped to seventh.
