Motorsport: Valuable podium points for McIntyre

John McIntyre.

April 7 - Super-sub Fabian Coulthard led race one of the latest round of the V8 SuperTourers series from start to finish in Christchurch on Saturday.

Coulthard, deputising as Greg Murphy recovers from back surgery, qualified in pole position and took that form into the 15-lap race.

He held off John McIntyre, whose second place gave him valuable championship points as he seeks to move up the points table from his sixth position.

After a positive qualifying effort and starting third on the grid, McIntyre found the car short of race pace, but was able to withstand constant pressure from Jonny Reid until the chequered flag.

"We just didn't have the pace," McIntyre said. "There were a couple of spots on the track where we were better than the other guys, but it wasn't enough over a whole lap so they were always catching.

"You take those hard fought for points ... we are happy with that."

Teammate Steven Richards had a frustrating day finishing 12th with an under-steering car, impeding his on track efforts in both the race and qualifying.

A frustrated Richards will be spending time tonight with the team trying to solve the problem.

"We still have a massive amount of under steer and can't get the car to turn in the middle of the corner. Once that happens, you are at the mercy of everyone else. Something is not right with the car and until we find it."