Scott McLaughlin wins after taking controversial 'shortcut'

Scott McLaughlin has extended his extraordinary run to start the 2019 Supercars season with a controversial victory at Winton.

The DJR Team Penske star clashed with teammate Fabian Coulthard on the opening lap, with both cars sent off the track from second and third.

Coulthard rejoined in the mid-pack and went on to finish 15th, but McLaughlin cut a corner and jumped back into the third.

The reigning series champion’s move sparked debate among commentators and fans but officials cleared McLaughlin of any infraction.

Coulthard was hit with a 15-second penalty for colliding with his teammate and fumed when he pitted to serve his punishment.

“It's an awkward one. I didn't know if Fabian was 100 per cent there,” McLaughlin said after the victory.

“I thought that was my corner, I felt like I was far enough. He went off the road. I tried to get back and rejoin in my position but I was going to go the wrong way.

“Damned if I do, damned if I didn't. I just pushed on and yeah, thankfully it was ok.”

Coulthard was contrite after the race, accepting responsibility and eschewing the chance to comment on McLaughlin’s shortcut.

“We operate with tenths of seconds. You make a decision at that particular time and what it is it is,” he said.

“If you can hit rewind you would. You never want to hit your teammate, it's as simple as that.

“I'll apologise, I'll put my hand up. Obviously I've been penalised. Our policy is not to hit each other and today I broke that policy.”

Tickford Racing boss Tim Edwards said his team had instructed Chaz Mostert, who finished second, not to be concerned about McLaughlin – clearly expecting a penalty that never came.

"A shortcut is a shortcut," Edwards said on Fox Sports.

Mostert acknowledged he had reason to be frustrated but he said McLaughlin deserved the win.

“I'll cry about it just to try and get first but at the end of the day it is what it is,” he said.

“He got hit (by Coulthard) so it wasn't his fault that he went off. It's the toughest thing here, all the rain too – it's very slippery.

“At the end of the day he was the fastest guy so I think he deserved the win.”

There was further drama after the DJR Team Penske duo's clash when Penrite Racing's David Reynolds forced James Courtney wide to snatch the lead.

Reynolds was given a five-second penalty for his misdemeanour, allowing McLaughlin to emerge from the round of pit stops with the race lead.

While the New Zealander made the most of his clear air to further extend his championship lead to 232 points, Reynolds held off Courtney in the closing laps to claim third place.

Shane Van Gisbergen's fifth place reduced the margin between second and third on the championship standings to 129 points heading into Sunday's 200km race.

with AAP