Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen has drawn first blood in the 2021 Supercars Championship by winning the opening race of the season at Bathurst.

The New Zealand Grand Prix winner has taken the chequered flag ahead of Chad Mostert and Will Davison in the 40-lap sprint race at Mt Panorama in the rejigged championship.

Can Gisbergen started from third on the grid but found himself trailing only pole sitter Cam Waters by turn one.

He emerged from pit lane ahead of Waters after their first stop and took complete control when the Tickford Mustang was forced back to the lane with power steering failure.

It represents a second straight win at the famous track for Van Gisbergen, who claimed a maiden Bathurst 1000 victory late last year.

A second 40-lap race awaits on Sunday.