Frantic Pace Of V8s Fail To Rattle Luff
5/3/2004 20:43 (Press Release) -
Rookie Shell Helix Racing driver Warren Luff didn't get the result that he'd been hoping for at the Australian Grand Prix today but his first V8 adventure as a full-timer was one that he can't wait to add to.
"I can't wait until tomorrow, today's race wasn't one of my finest driving experiences but I got my first race out of the way and kept the car straight,"
Warren Luff said.
"The plan was to stay in the top twenty but I had to settle for twenty-third, which was a bit disappointing.
"I think that I was trying too hard too early, but I needed to settle the nervous, I was feeling a little anxious out there at the start."
Luff admits that he learnt a lot in his first outing as a full-time V8 driver.
"It was pretty frantic out there at the start with everyone trying to get into a rhythm," Luff said.
"It was a lot faster compared to the pace in other categories, but you expect that when you drive V8 Supercars.
"I've got thirty-one quality drivers to compete against and all are as hungry as I am to do well, the standard is impressive."
Luff admitted a small touch-up with Anthony Tratt early in the race slightly effected his concentration.
"In your first race you just want it to be a clean one and stay well out of trouble so that you can focus on driving," Luff said.
"My Falcon made contact with Tratt's car and I had to knuckle down again.
"I also knew that it slightly bent my front left fender forcing it onto the tyre, it wasn't anything major but it was something I had to forget about and get on with racing.
"I learnt a lot out there today, now it's about continuing to build in confidence and drive smarter and faster."
Steven Johnson drove an uneventful race to finish just outside the top-ten in 13th place.
"I didn't really have much of an impact on the race, I started eighteenth and finished thirteenth which is good for my starting place tomorrow but it wasn't a drive that was all that inspiring," Steve Johnson said.
"We're continuing to get the Ford ready for Adelaide so we tried a few different things out there today.
"We've improved the front of the Falcon but this affected the back end.
"I'm happy with the speed; it (the Ford) just needs more power-down so that I can seriously chase down those in front of me.
"But we're edging closer and I think come Sunday we'll be heading to Adelaide happy that we'll be competitive."
The V8's are on track from 4pm Saturday for the second race at the Australian Grand Prix.
Release Date: 5/03/2004
Dick Johnson Racing
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