Skaife applauds Ambrose decision to head to the US
7/4/2005 14:47 (Press Release) -
Australia’s most recognised driver has endorsed Marcos Ambrose’s move to the United States, claiming it is a glowing credit to the strength of V8 Supercar Championship Series and the fact its’ drivers are in extremely high demand around the world.
Holden Racing Team’s Mark Skaife said after winning race three of the V8 Supercars at the Australian Grand Prix today that Ambrose, who is chancing his arm at racing in the NASCAR series next year, had his complete blessing.
“We’ve all had a go at making Formula One at some stage of our careers and this is no different to that,” said Skaife.
“I would like to see him stay but if he wants a change and a challenge I think that’s fantastic. Any of the top guys in this series can win races anywhere in the world if they have a good car underneath them.
“On the road courses in NASCAR Marcos will absolutely ‘hose’ them and I have no doubt he has the ability to do well on the Ovals.
“It doesn’t weaken our series as much as we would all like the competition and the challenge that Marcos provides. Clearly he has a career objective which is great.”
Ambrose finished second to Skaife today in another great contest. His team-mate Russell Ingall was third. They all spoke about Ambrose’s pending move.
“Look at the upside if he does do well over there,” Ingall said.
“After spending a few years with Marcos I know how much he relishes a challenge. There’s no doubt that this category has jumped up in class and it shows that our guys are amongst the best in the world.
“It’s such a tough series now. We are on the edge at every single corner because you are so close to the limit on every single one.”
Ambrose said his move was only as a result of what he has achieved in Australia.
“Without V8 Supercars I wouldn’t have got this chance, that’s how highly this series is thought of around the world,” he said. “It is recognised as the premier touring car in the world and its’ reputation has spread across the globe.”
Skaife’s win today might be a pointer to a great season for the Holden driver and team owner. The first official race of the V8 Supercar Championship Series takes place at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide in a fortnight.
“Mark looks like he has bounced back,” Ambrose said.
“It will be extremely interesting to see how it all pans out this year. I tried to hold Mark off, but he had a bit more car speed in the early stages and got me with a good move at turn one.
“After he got by it was a matter of trying a few things within the car and just making sure we got it home in one piece. We did not clinch a win this weekend, but we obviously had some pace and came away with three top-four finishes.
“It is always pleasing to come away from this race with some good results and without any major work to do on the car with the opening round of the year only two weeks away in Adelaide.”
The opening round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series will be the Clipsal 500 on the streets of Adelaide on March 17-20.
RACE 3 – RESULTS (Sunday)
1: Mark Skaife (Holden)
2: Marcos Ambrose (Ford)
3: Russell Ingall (Ford)
4: Craig Lowndes (Ford)
5: John Bowe (Ford)
6: Brad Jones (Ford)
7: Jason Bright (Ford)
8: Jamie Whincup (Holden)
9: Jason Bargwanna (Ford)
10: Mark Winterbottom (Ford)
RACE 2 – RESULTS (Saturday)
1: John Bowe (Ford)
2: Brad Jones (Ford)
3: Mark Skaife (Holden)
4: Marcos Ambrose (Ford)
5: Russell Ingall (Ford)
6: Craig Lowndes (Ford)
7: Jason Bright (Ford)
8: Jamie Whincup (Holden)
9: Steve Ellery (Ford)
10: Rick Kelly (Holden)
RACE 1 RESULTS (Friday)
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: 06/03/2005
AVESCO
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