UPS AND DOWNS FOR SBR AT GRAND PRIX
7/3/2004 10:45 (Press Release) -
Stone Brothers Racing had mixed results in the second race of the Netspace V8 Supercar Challenge at the Foster's Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne today.
Russell Ingall went from 27th to finish 13th in his Caltex Havoline Ford after another sensational start and a charging effort over the 19 laps.
Marcos Ambrose started sixth in his Pirtek Falcon and was fourth by lap two, but he picked up a lot of leaves in his car's air intake in his front bumper.
By lap five the leaves had restricted the air flow so much that his engine started to overheat and he was forced to park his Ford in pit lane.
Ingall, who is the defending V8 champion at Albert Park, picked up eight places on the opening lap and made more ground from there.
"I guess it was nice to get through the race unscathed after starting at the back of the field," said Ingall.
"I had one little incident where I over cooked a corner and dropped a couple of spots, but apart from that everything was pretty good.
"There is certainly a lot of improvement left in the Caltex Havoline Ford and hopefully we will find most of it in the first round in a couple of weeks time."
Ambrose, the defending V8 Supercar champion, was thankful that today's result was not part of his official championship defense.
"The first couple of cars threw up the leaves and I think I copped most of them," said Ambrose.
"The car was running pretty strong before it started getting too hot.
"While we were only out there for half a dozen laps I think we certainly learned a few things which will be of benefit in Adelaide in a couple of weeks.
"We were obviously no chance of a strong result after the pit stop so it just made sense to park the car and save the engine from more overheating and our tyres.
"It will be tough from the back of the grid in a 10-lap race tomorrow, but we will use the race to again try a few things."
There will be a final 10-lap race tomorrow at 10.37am.
RESULTS - RACE 2
1: Jason Bright (Holden) - 19 Laps
2: Steve Richards (Holden)
3: Greg Murphy (Holden)
4: Garth Tander (Holden)
5: Jason Bargwanna (Ford)
6: Todd Kelly (Holden)
7: Simon Wills (Holden)
8: Cameron McConville (Holden)
9: Steve Johnson (Ford)
10: Steve Ellery (Ford)
11: Paul Morris (Holden)
12: Paul Weel (Holden)
13: Russell Ingall (Ford)
14: Mark Skaife (Holden)
15: Paul Dumbrell (Holden)
DNF: Marcos Ambrose - 6 Laps
Release Date: 6/03/2004
Stone Brothers Racing
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