Orrcon Racing Fresh And Ready For The Grand Prix
2/3/2004 14:54 (Press Release) -
Orrcon Racing will roll out the new livery on the team's BA Falcons driven by Jason Bargwanna and Mark Winterbottom for the first V8 Supercar event of 2004 at the Foster's Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne this weekend.
The revamped look of the Orrcon Racing Falcons incorporates the famous Ford GT stripes which will appeal to the Ford fans across the country.
The Gold Coast-based Larkham Motor Sport operation will compete in three Non-Championship races around the 5.303km circuit - two over 10-laps and one over 19.
Melbourne-based Bargwanna joined Orrcon Racing at the start of last year and was immediately on the pace around the Albert Park circuit giving him confidence leading up to this weekend.
"Last year I finished fourth at the GP which was a great result for the team, especially considering that I was in an older AU up against the newer models," says Bargwanna.
"This year we have a pair of BA Falcons in the garage and we are aiming to go at least a couple of positions better than last year.
"Last week's test gave me some confidence for the Grand Prix which is run on a track that I really enjoy. It is a very interesting and demanding circuit, one which always provides plenty of excitement."
Team owner, Mark Larkham last week passed on the number 10 plate to Bargwanna who will fill the role as "lead" driver for the team for the first time this weekend.
With Winterbottom never competing at the venue previously and only one 30-minute practice prior to qualifying on Thursday afternoon, Bargwanna's experience around the circuit will prove vital for the V8 Supercar Rookie.
"I have spent a lot of time on the Playstation trying to learn the track but nothing beats laps and experience around any circuit and I will be looking to use as much of Bargs' knowledge and experience as I can," says Winterbottom.
"The weekend will be another steep learning curve for me with the main aim being to gain some valuable track time prior to the Championship commencing in Adelaide later this month."
Practice and qualifying will be held on Thursday March 4 followed by races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
TRACK FACTS - ALBERT PARK, MELBOURNE
Venue: Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria
2003 Race format: Top 10 Shootout, Race 1 - 10 Laps (Friday); Race 2 - 19 Laps (Saturday); Race 3 - 10 Laps (Sunday)
Circuit Length: 5.303km
Circuit Direction: Clockwise
Average Speed: 145kph
Maximum Speed: 275kph
Qualifying Record: Craig Lowndes (Holden, Commodore, 1999) 1:57.657s
Lap Record: Russell Ingall (Holden Commodore, 1998) 1:58.721s
WEEKEND SCHEDULE - AGP
V8 SUPERCARS
Thursday, March 4, 2004
10.55am-11.25am - Practice session
2pm-2.30pm - Qualifying
4.05pm-4.45pm - Top 10 Shootout
Friday, March 5, 2004
3.25pm-4pm - Race 1 (10 Laps)
Saturday, March 6, 2004
12.05pm-12.20pm - Driver Parade lap
4pm-5pm - Race 2 (19 Laps)
Sunday, March 7, 2004
10.35am-11.10am - Race 3 (10 Laps)
TV TELECAST - NETWORK TEN
Saturday - March 6, 2004
10am-5pm (EDST) - 9am-4pm (Queensland)
Sunday - March 7, 2004
10am-5pm (EDST) - 9am-4pm (Queensland)
Release Date: 2/03/2004
Orrcon Racing
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