Race One of the Australian Grand Prix demonstrated the power to come for Team Betta Electrical. Both Falcon BAs displayed a pleasing pace and despite running off the track on lap nine, Craig Lowndes, in Car 888, showed that he has what it takes to keep the pace at the front.
22/3/2005 19:35 (Press Release) -
Stone Brothers Racing’s Marcos Ambrose and Russell Ingall both finished in the top four in the opening race of the Qantas V8 Supercar support events at the Foster’s Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne today.
Ambrose started fourth in his Pirtek Falcon and eventually finished second, while Ingall started eighth and fought his way through the pack to finish fourth in the Caltex Ford.
“That was really an excellent race,” said Ambrose.
“Without any points up for grabs everyone really got into it and were aggressive without any major dramas – like it should be.
“Once I had managed to get through the pack Todd (Kelly) was too far gone.
“Hopefully we can get off to a strong start tomorrow and maybe punch out a win.
“I think we were in a situation mid race where anyone of six drivers could have been on the podium.”
Ingall got off to a solid start in his Caltex Falcon and gradually picked his way through the field and just missed a podium spot.
“I guess today was the entrée and tomorrow is the main course,” said Ingall.
“It was a great race out there today, like it should always be.
“It was great to make up four places over 10 laps and if a few of those guys in front of me had touched a little harder we would have had the Caltex Falcon on the podium.
“Tomorrow we have 19 laps so we are really going to be faced with a different deal and I think we will be in a position to challenge for the win with a bit of luck.
“Today was certainly pleasing considering the few mechanical problems we had in qualifying yesterday.”
There will be a 19-lap race tomorrow at 2.30pm – following a driver parade at 12.30pm.
RACE 1 RESULTS
1: Todd Kelly (Holden)
2: Marcos Ambrose (Ford)
3: Mark Skaife (Holden)
4: Russell Ingall (Ford)
5: Jason Bright (Ford)
6: Cameron McConville (Holden)
7: Paul Radisich (Holden)
8: Steve Richards (Holden)
9: Greg Ritter (Ford)
10: Steve Johnson (Ford)
Release Date: 04/03/2005
Stone Brothers Racing
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