Brabham to replace Kelly in Fujitsu Ford at Bathurst
18/9/2004 17:56 (Press Release) -
Shell Helix Racing's David Brabham will have extra driving duties at Bathurst next month replacing team mate Owen Kelly in the Fujitsu Ford. Brabham will compete in the Konica Minolta 25-lap support race to help increase his knowledge of the circuit and further familiarise himself with the cars.
"David (Brabham) is a superb driver but he is based overseas and rarely gets to drive a V8 Supercar, the more time in it the better," DJR Managing Director Steve Chalker said.
"The team did this last year with Warren Luff and it significantly brought down his lap times.
"David will get to do the set-up on the Fujitsu car, qualify on his own and race it.
"The extra track time will benefit both David and the team when it comes to the main race."
DJR has already noticed a big difference in Brabham's performance this year compared to last year when he only drove the endurance events.
"This year we flew David out early so that he could be a part of the pre-Sandown test, which was worthwhile," Chalker said.
"Last year David didn't even lay eyes on the Shell Ford until he got to Sandown, it was important that this didn't happen again.
"David very quickly came to grips with the number eighteen Ford at the test, his lap times were right up there with the other three drivers.
"By Bathurst Sunday, David will have a test session and an event (Sandown) under his belt and he will have driven both the Shell Helix and the Fujitsu Fords, the perfect preparation."
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