McLaughlin claimed victory at Mt Panorama, but only after an incident in which Coulthard slowed the field after a safety car period.

DJR Team Penske claimed that their No.2 driver had engine overheating but the move was branded a cynical tactic by most pundits, as it allowed McLaughlin and Jamie Whincup to burst clear of the pack. The two lead cars were able to pit and refuel, then rejoin the race with their positions intact thanks to the gap.

McLaughlin's victory remains provisional, with Supercars charging DJR Team Penske with a breach of its team orders rules. The matter will be heard before the championship's next round, the Gold Coast 600 from October 25-27.

Coulthard is furious at the reaction to his driving, which was branded "disgraceful" by Supercars icon Larry Perkins. He said that he did follow team orders - but only in regards to protecting his engine.

"For me, the safety car came out and I was told to slow up and take extreme caution," he Coulthard told motorsport.com.

"We had an overheating drama at the same time. I slowed up and did what I was told.

"I'm getting absolutely smashed for something I was told to do.

"I need to clear my name. It's not my style. I don't race like that, I'm a clean racer.

"To see what I'm reading, I'm getting pretty shafted for it. I'm the scapegoat."

McLaughlin played down the controversy, saying that he wasn't even aware there was an issue until much later.

"I didn't know anything about it until the press conference after the race," McLaughlin said on Monday.

"We did our bit. We had a fast car, we won the race, so we'll just get on with it, it'll sort itself out.

"It certainly wasn't intentional from our point of view, Fabian was just doing something he needed to do, but I just pushed on.

"We had a great car all day and unfortunately for him (Coulthard), there is a bit of conjecture there, but he drove a great race and I feel bad for him, that's for sure."

There has been speculation that McLaughlin could lose his maiden Bathurst crown, though that is extremely unlikely. DJR Team Penske may instead cop a fine, with co-owner Dick Johnson saying the stripped title claims were "rubbish".

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