Mark Winterbottom has taken over the reins as V8 Supercars championship leader with an impressive podium finish in the final sprint race of the weekend’s round in Auckland.

The Ford driver crossed the line second behind winner and local hero Shane van Gisbergen on Saturday, turning an 18-point deficit into a two-point advantage over Holden veteran Craig Lowndes on the overall standings.

New Zealand young gun Scott McLaughlin rounded out the top three, much to the delight of home fans at the Pukekohe circuit.

McLaughlin had started from pole and, despite admitting to pre-race jitters, survived another exciting duel with defending champion Jamie Whincup on the opening lap.

But it quickly turned into a battle of the Kiwis, with van Gisbergen passing Whincup following an early safety car to move onto the tail of McLaughlin.

The pair drew cheers and jeers from fans as they traded blows before van Gisbergen shot himself to the front of the pack on lap nine.

McLaughlin eventually lost second spot to Winterbottom, after he got the better of long-time foe and fourth-placegetter Whincup.

His Holden teammate Lowndes finished 10th.

Winterbottom earlier bagged maximum points with victory in the day’s first 100km race.

It was both his and his team’s second triumph of the season, following their win earlier this month at Winton.

A longer 200km race will cap off this weekend’s action in Auckland on Sunday.