AMBROSE TAKES AIM FOR TASSIE
26/11/2004 20:57 (Press Release) -
Stone Brothers Racing’s Marcos Ambrose says it’s “our Championship to lose” and has his primary focus on defending the V8 Supercar crown as the series heads to his home turf for the penultimate round of the Championship in Tasmania next month.
Ambrose’s confidence remains upbeat despite being fined $10,000 by the Confederation of Australian Motorsport after a breach of driver conduct in Saturday’s opening race at the Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge on the Gold Coast.
The breach of rule B.6.7.2 (careless driving) was deemed to have occurred when Ambrose slowed immediately after crossing the finish line in first position at the completion of race one in front of Rick Kelly, who was one lap down in 23rd position.
Ambrose strongly disagrees with the ruling and the severity of the penalty imposed but accepts the CAMS decision in an effort to move on.
“I am very disappointed with the decision but I have been forced to accept the penalty as the ramifications for appealing were potentially too severe. Personally I would have appealed the decision but after consultation with my team Stone Brothers Racing and the Ford Motor Company and also out of respect for my fans I did not lodge an appeal, but rather ensure my primary focus remains on trying to win the Championship,” said Ambrose.
“It was deemed by the stewards that I was careless with the application of my brakes at the conclusion of race one due to the apparent close proximity of the number 15 car of Rick Kelly.
“At no time have the stewards referred to my breach of the rules as a “brake test” and it is inaccurate to describe the breach of rules as such.
“My aim has always been to keep the racing on the track and not let matters manifest in the media, as far as I am concerned the matter is behind me and I intend to make no further comment on the issue.”
A secondary protest was placed by Kelly’s team regarding an incident in pit lane following the completion of the race. The hearing for this matter has been adjourned until the Symmons Plains event next month.
“It’s no secret that I was upset with the sportsmanship of Rick Kelly during race one. I spoke with Rick at the conclusion of the race and expressed to him my disappointment of his driving ethics and motivation during the race,” said Ambrose.
“I have no further comment on this matter until the stewards have completed their enquiry.”
The next round of the Championship is Tasmania’s Triple Challenge at the Symmons Plains Raceway on November 12-14.
Release Date: 25/10/2004
Stone Brothers Racing
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