Supercars 2023: Ford set for parity boost ahead of Gold Coast 500 this weekend

Ford teams blasted the Supercars parity situation as ‘unacceptable’ before the Bathurst 1000, now they are set to get their wish in time for the Gold Coast 500.

They didn’t win the fight before the Bathurst 1000 but Ford teams are set for a parity boost before the Gold Coast 500 this week.

After an unsuccessful push for an upgraded aerodynamic package for the biggest race of the year at Mount Panorama, the Blue Oval brigade will get its wish for the battle on the streets of Surfers Paradise following a second in-season parity review.

It is understood the Gen3 Fords are set to be granted aero adjustments to the rear wing, side skirt and front end of the car to help reduce drag and downforce.

Ford teams had blasted the Supercars parity situation as “unacceptable” after their proposed changes for the Bathurst 1000 were rejected because the parity trigger had not been hit.

That trigger was met at Mount Panorama when data showed an imbalance between the Ford Mustangs and the Chevrolet Camaros for the fifth time in eight consecutive races.

Now Supercars is set to confirm adjustments to the Mustangs for one of the biggest street races of the season after a Bathurst review.

Ford teams are set for a significant boost. Picture: Getty Images

Tickford Racing veteran James Courtney hoped the adjustments would bolster the prospects of the Fords on the Gold Coast streets in the penultimate round of the Supercars season.

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to get a parity adjustment this weekend,” Courtney said.

“I know the boys have already put some stuff on the car and in the truck on the way up.

“That should balance it out a little bit. The Fords weren’t too bad at Townsville, Anton (De Pasquale) got a podium there and we have been getting better and better as the year goes on with mechanical grip. The car is really quite good.

“I think with those parity adjustments, mechanical grip in the Mustang, we should be in with a shot.”

Dick Johnson Racing driver De Pasquale finished third for Ford at Mount Panorama, while Mustangs were fourth (Chaz Mostert), fifth (David Reynolds) and sixth (Courtney).

De Pasquale won the last Supercars street race at the Townsville 500 – the only true chequered flag the Mustangs have taken this year – but was not building up his hopes before the Gold Coast round.

Tony D'Alberto and Anton de Pasquale after the Bathurst 1000. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s one of those years where you never get your hopes up, it’s so changeable week in, week out,” De Pasquale said.

“We won the last street race so hopefully that shows form into this one but the track is a fair bit different. We’ll be putting our best foot forward and using that as momentum.”

A hot topic throughout the season, the first official parity review this year was triggered after the Darwin Triple Crown and led to aerodynamic changes for the Mustangs for the Townsville 500.

The Supercars season will finish in Adelaide.

Erebus Camaro driver Brodie Kostecki holds a 131-point lead over Shane van Gisbergen in the championship fight.

Chaz Mostert is the best-placed Ford driver at fifth in the standings.

Originally published as Supercars 2023: Ford set for parity boost ahead of Gold Coast 500 this weekend