McLaughlin told Premat he 'saved his day' in Surfers

Premat and McLaughlin combined to win Sunday's leg of the Gold Coast 600, despite qualifying way back in 13th.

The key to the unlikely win was a gamble on fuel strategy, McLaughlin making his final stop early to undercut three Triple Eight Commodores, before conserving fuel to make it to the end.

He ultimately ran out of fuel on the cool-down lap, having secured a crucial 150 points.

However being in a position to make the undercut strategy work was thanks to an impressive opening stint from Premat, who clambered his way from that lowly 13th starting position to the top five before handing over to McLaughlin.

According to Premat, it wasn't lost on the DJR Team Penske crew, or the #17 Ford's lead driver, how crucial that stint was.

"After the race the team told me that I did a great job, that I got them back into contention after a difficult start," Premat told Motorsport.com.

"Scott even told me that I saved his day.

"It was hard for the team, with that tough first day and another tough session in qualifying for the second race. That result put some dynamic back into the team.

"If we’d had two results around 10th, it would have been complicated for the championship. Now, Scott is back in contention and everything remains open heading into the next two races."

The result was a big one in terms of the championship, McLaughlin going from 97 points off the championship lead to just 27 points behind new leader Jamie Whincup.

Fabian Coulthard splits the pair, 10 clear of Coulthard and 17 behind Whincup.

According to Premat, the title fight is wide open – although he predicts fellow Frenchman Ludo Lacroix, guru tech man at DJRTP, could make the difference on the brand new street circuit in Newcastle.

"Now there are two races left for Scott to make the difference," said Premat.

"Pukekohe is a very fast track, a bit like Sydney. The car will perform, and Scott will be driving on home soil in New Zealand. Newcastle is a new circuit for everyone – and in that situation Ludo will be very valuable.

"I’m not worried for the team.

"I’m happy Scott is back in the championship. Now it’s a clear three-way fight between Jamie, Fabian, and Scott until the end of the season.

"It will come down to who is fastest, but also who makes the least mistakes.

"Seeing three guys separated by 27 points after 22 races shows how attractive and competitive the series is. I can’t wait to get back next year."

Additional reporting by Emmanuel Rolland