Wet weather mixes things up
7/4/2005 14:48 (Press Release) -
The second V8 Supercar Race of the Grand Prix weekend was all about tyre selection. In what was certainly an entertaining and unpredictable race, three accidents within the first lap ensured that the race lineup changed early on.
Melbourne's predictably changeable weather didn't disappoint and the race began with inclement conditions. The majority of teams chose to run on wets, with just the two BOC Fords choosing slicks. But with the safety car out for 3 laps straight into the race, the wet track dried quickly as the rain held off.
Craig Lowndes in Car 888 began the race in position 31 after Friday's grounding but quickly picked up the pace, forging back to P13 by lap five. From there it was a steady push through to the front where he finished the GP100 in sixth position.
"I'm pretty stoked with today's result," said Craig. "I pushed hard once the safety car's lights went off and that paid off. We've managed to put the new Falcon BA through a number of conditions already this weekend, and I'm fairly impressed with how it's handling."
Steve Ellery also had an excellent 19 laps. He began Race 2 of the AGP in 15th position and improved 6 positions over the course. Steve was clocking lap times faster than the lead cars for many of the early laps, and this gave him a steady pace to keep up with the top 10 cars.
"It was a pretty exciting race out there today. Craig and I strived to hold the pace together and we had both Team Betta Electrical cars side by side for most of the race," commented Steve. "It's great going into the final race on Sunday in the top 10."
Team Principal, Roland Dane said, "Today has ended up being fabulous for Ford. Seven of the top ten cars are Fords and everyone put on a great race in what were tricky conditons."
Race 3 of the AGP begins at 11.20am on Sunday. The final race is ten laps.
Release Date: 06/03/2005
Team Bettta Electrical - Triple 8
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