Electrical Problems Hamper Grand Prix Practice & Qualifying
4/3/2004 19:19 (Press Release) -
Ford Performance Racing (FPR) drivers Craig Lowndes and Glenn
Seton have endured a tough first day of V8 Supercar practice and qualifying at
the 2004 Australian Grand Prix with persistent electrical problems hampering
the team's progress.
Today's morning practice session only lasted half a lap for Lowndes when the
ignition module of his CAT FPR Falcon failed. Ford Credit FPV Falcon driver
Seton's session lasted considerably longer, working through a number of set up
changes during the car's first run of the year.
The thirty minute qualifying session unearthed similar electrical problems that
ended Lowndes' run after just one timed lap, while Seton suffered a similar
fate after only two laps.
The team has located what they believe to be the source of the recurring
electrical problem with the two FPR Falcons and look forward to a stronger run
in the first of three races being held tomorrow at the Albert Park Grand Prix
circuit at 3:25pm.
Today's sessions were held in hot and windy conditions, the ambient temperature
reaching 34C and the track temperature reaching 45C. The top qualifiers were
Holden drivers Mark Skaife and Greg Murphy, with Paul Radisich the top Ford
driver in third.
#6 Craig Lowndes - "We have encountered some teething problems with the car due
to missing a test before this race. Luckily this isn't a Championship event so
it gives us the opportunity to sort everything out before we head to Adelaide.
We'll have some hard work ahead of us in the three races this weekend."
#5 Glenn Seton - "We made some changes from the first session to deal with
major understeer and I only got one flying lap in during qualifying due to an
electrical failure."
FPR Chief Engineer John Russell - "Clearly not the performance or result that
we set out to achieve! Let's hope the races will be better."
Release Date: 4/03/2004
Ford Performance Racing
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