Shane van Gisbergen has claimed a provisional victory at New Zealand’s Pukekohe Park, narrowing the gap on Supercars leader and second-placed finisher Scott McLaughlin after a ferociously fought battle.

The firebrand Aucklander overcame a five-second penalty for a shunt on his title rival in an brutal overtaking move, winning Saturday’s opening race by 5.5 seconds.

It leaves van Gisbergen trailing McLaughlin by just two points at the top of the championship standings.

But van Gisbergen might yet be docked the race win and sent back down the order after spinning his wheels in pit lane.

The Red Bull HRT driver will be subjected to a post-race investigation.

McLaughlin, who claimed his 13th pole position of the season but was overtaken twice by his rival, finished second with Chaz Mostert third.