Ambrose leads Ford's charge at Oran Park
15/8/2004 13:51 (Press Release) -
Stone Brothers Racing's Marcos Ambrose and Russell Ingall have flown the Ford flag and will both start in the top 10 in tomorrow's eighth round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at Oran Park in Sydney.
Ambrose was second fastest in qualifying, but dropped three places in the afternoon shootout after a "moment" coming off the bridge in his Pirtek Falcon.
Ingall was seventh in qualifying, but also dropped a couple of spots to ninth in his Caltex Havoline Ford after his car was too "loose" in his one-lap flyer.
Mark Skaife took pole from Todd Kelly and Simon Wills. Ambrose and Ingall were the only two Fords in the top 12.
"I got loose coming off the bridge and that was the end of my lap," said Ambrose.
"I had a pretty big moment and that cost me a couple of tenths. I guess I then lost another couple of tenths after my confidence was dented a little on the bridge.
"I don't think the amount of wind out there helped at all.
"The good thing about all this is the three other guys challenging for the championship are all behind me.
"We just need to concentrate tomorrow and make sure we come away with as many points as possible."
Ingall's best overall result at Oran Park was fifth in 2002 and he is confident he can improve on that tomorrow.
I don't think the Fords have the one-lap grip that the Holdens definitely do," said Ingall.
"Qualifying was always going to be the toughest part of the weekend for us.
"Over a race distance around here I think we are going to be OK.
"I guess we are pleased to have the car in the top 10 and will get on with the job tomorrow.
"We are not out of the championship hunt, but we need to keep decent points hauls coming. Our pit crew will be a big asset tomorrow."
Tomorrow's event will consist of two 140km 54-lap races with compulsory tyre stops.
TOP 10 SHOOTOUT- ORAN PARK
1: Mark Skaife - Holden Race Team - Holden Commodore 1:09.1107
2: Todd Kelly - Holden Race Team - Holden Commodore +0.2678
3: Simon Wills - Team Dynamik - Holden Commodore +0.3272
4: Jason Richards - Tasman Motorsport - Holden Commodore +0.3778
5: Marcos Ambrose - Pirtek Racing - Ford Falcon BA +0.4179
6: Jason Bright - PWR Racing - Holden Commodore +0.4795
7: Paul Morris - Siromet Racing - Holden Commodore +0.6155
8: Rick Kelly - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore +0.7396
9: Russell Ingall - Caltex Havoline Racing - Ford Falcon +0.7487
10: Greg Murphy - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore +0.9546
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