Morris Continues Consistent Form at Albert Park
7/3/2004 15:59 (Press Release) -
Sirromet Wines Holden Commodore driver Paul Morris today completed his preparation for this year's V8 Supercar Championship motor racing series with another consistent performance at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.
Morris, driving a VY Commodore, finished 13th in today's third and final race of the non-championship Netspace V8 Supercar Challenge over 10 laps. He had previously been 15th in the opening race over 10 laps on Friday, and 11th in yesterday's 19-lap event on the 5.3km track.
The 36-year-old Gold Coast driver said his main goal at Albert Park was to evaluate car performance and experiment with settings in preparation for the 13-round championship, which starts with the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on March 18-21.
Jason Bright won the third race at Albert Park in a PWR Holden Commodore in a time of 22-mins 24.103-secs. Morris, who clocked a best lap time of 2-mins 1.678-secs, finished 22.705-secs behind Bright, who was followed by Steven Richards in a Castrol Commodore.
Holden Racing Team spearhead Mark Skaife was eliminated on the opening lap in a crash which also involved the Team Dynamic Commodore of Simon Wills.
PAUL MORRIS QUOTES: "I was right behind the accident when (Simon) Wills spun and came together with (Mark) Skaife on the first lap. I swerved to the right and followed (Russell) Ingall through and we just missed the cars in the middle of the road.
"With Adelaide only a couple of weeks away I pushed on, but also stayed cautious because I didn't want to risk the car getting 'bent'. The aim here was to get more data on how the car performs in different conditions.
"We made several changes with the car set-up, and some worked and some didn't. The important thing is we've learnt some things that will help us for the rest of the season.
"It's also a plus to come away from the grand prix with a 'straight' car. Last year we had a big accident here and the time we needed for repairs set us back with our built-up to the championship. This time we're going to Adelaide with a lot more confidence."
Release Date: 7/03/2004
Sirroment/Paul Morris Motorsports
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