INGALL SHOWS HIS HAND IN V8 QUALIFYING ON THE GOLD COAST
9/11/2004 18:37 (Press Release) -
Caltex Havoline Racing's Russell Ingall has qualified second for the Gillette
V8 Supercar Challenge on the streets of Surfers Paradise.
Ingall was just behind Mark Skaife, with Craig Lowndes (CAT Ford Performance
Racing) in third and V8 Supercar Champion Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) in fourth.
Ingall was amongst the pacesetters in the qualifying session, but he saved his
best for last jumping to second on his final lap.
“Everything went well today and I'm delighted with the time,” said Ingall.
“I only used the one set of tyres. We did make an adjustment midway through the
session and rotated the tyres. That seemed to do the trick.
“We're only half done, with a top-10 shootout and the first 22-lap race tomorrow.
“With the decision to run the race without pit stops, we've also worked on making
sure we have a car that's going to take care of the rubber. After today I'm more
than happy we've got a good rig to do that.
“This weekend is crucial for the championship. It's going to be feast or famine
in terms of the points and I'll never give up until it's all over”.
Craig Lowndes backed up his second place at Bathurst with another strong performance
today. This was despite losing most of the first practice session after hitting
a wall.
“The car has been excellent since Bathurst and the qualifying result is a great
result for our team,” said Lowndes.
“The accident this morning was far from ideal, but it didn't hurt us at the end
of the day.
“Our aim was to make the car as comfortable as possible to drive. That in turn
has given us extra speed. Importantly I know that will carry over to the races.
“In tomorrow's shootout I'm aiming at keeping it at the pointy end. Starting
any further than three rows back will be a tough ask.”
Making his 50th start this weekend, Ambrose parked his car with around five minutes
left in the session.
“No problems, just no need to use more tyres with a shootout tomorrow,” said
Ambrose.
“The car is clearly good and I'm very confident for tomorrow. Starting up the
front is so crucial for winning this weekend.
“I'm going to attack. The best way to protect our championship lead is go for
the win.”
The top-10 shootout is set down for 12.10pm with the opening 22-lap getting underway
at 3.50pm.
V8 Supercar regular David Besnard (WPS Racing) made his Champcar debut today.
In a field of 19, Besnard was 13th in the first qualifying session.
He'll aim to make further improvements in tomorrow's second qualifying session.
Top-10 - V8 Supercar Qualifying Surfers Paradise
1. Mark Skaife - Holden Race Team - Holden Commodore 1:50.3768
2. Russell Ingall - Caltex Havoline Racing - Ford Falcon BA +0.2018
3. Craig Lowndes - CAT Ford Performance Racing - Ford Falcon BA +0.2110
4. Marcos Ambrose - Pirtek Racing - Ford Falcon BA +0.2465
5. Rick Kelly - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore +0.4060
6. Todd Kelly - Holden Race Team - Holden Commodore +0.6294
7. Steven Richards - Castrol Perkins Motorsport - Holden Commodore +0.6534
8. Jason Bargwanna - Orrcon Steel Racing - Ford Falcon BA +0.8786
9. Steve Ellery - Steve Ellery Racing - Ford Falcon BA +0.9194
10. Greg Murphy - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore +0.9198
Release Date: 22/10/2004
Ford Racing Australia
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