Skaife no fan, but Morris enters Wayne's world
29/7/2002 13:03 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Wayne Wakefield has been confirmed as co-driver for Paul Morris’ Sirromet Commodore in this year’s endurance races.
Queensland cult hero, Wayne Wakefield (left) will partner Paul Morris at the VIP Petfoods Queensland 500 and Bob Jane T-Marts 1000
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The intrepid Queenslander tested extensively with the Gold Coast-based Morris team before yesterday’s expected announcement. He is also driving in selected rounds for the Imrie Motorsport outfit.
Wakefield has a reputation as a flamboyant racer, and was harshly criticised by Mark Skaife in a press conference yesterday after an on-track clash at Oran Park.
But Morris described Wakefield as a cool and calculating driver.
"Wayne used to raise a few eyebrows...by getting sideways everywhere,” Morris said, “but we've found him to be very smooth and precise with his driving in our car.
"Wayne has always been quick in any car he's raced, and he's also been a big help to us this year with his technical input in testing and that's helped us improve our car. I've got no doubt he will be on the pace for the endurance races with the testing and racing he's doing."
A winner of last year’s Konica Series-class Bathurst race before teaming with Marcos Ambrose for Sunday’s marathon, Wakefield said he hoped the drive with Morris would lead to a more permanent position on the V8 Supercar circuit.
"Hopefully I can get the job done and go on to bigger and better things next year," he said.
"I won't be short of miles around Queensland Raceway for the 500, and Bathurst is a fantastic track – it's very demanding with a high average speed and your concentration has to be spot on.
"My aim is to be as close as I can get to the speed of the guys racing regularly in the championship."
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