FORD: Ambrose grabs pole #5 for 2003 at Sandown
13/9/2003 17:45 (Press Release) -
Pirtek Racing's Marcos Ambrose will start from first position for tomorrow's Betta Electrical Sandown after taking his third straight and fifth pole of the season in today's Top Ten Shootout.
The result was Ambrose's 13th career pole from 35 starts.
Ford finished with six cars in the top ten.
Ambrose was 0.4243 of a second faster than rival Mark Skaife, as he underlined his reputation as the Shootout master in V8 Supercars.
After practicing strongly yesterday with co-driver Russell Ingall, Ambrose's Stone Brothers Racing team decided to leave him in the BA Falcon for all of today's practice and qualifying sessions as they chased pole position.
Ambrose was third fastest to fellow Ford driver Paul Radisich [Team Betta Electrical] in qualifying, but turned in a stunning lap in the Shootout.
"Today we really attacked the qualifying and the whole team responded," said Ambrose.
"We came here with a dedicated plan of working on a race set-up yesterday, and a qualifying set-up today. We are delighted in both areas," said Ambrose.
"I'm really looking forward to the race tomorrow, as I have enjoyed success in V8's but not at one of the endurance races. With Russell alongside we are both very confident.
"The only thing is the weather. With wet conditions expected, that's going to be the biggest variable.
"We have not made a decision on who will start the race, but we have the warm-up in the morning and we'll look at the weather and then make a call."
Enjoying his best run in two years, Radisich turned heads in qualifying setting the fastest time before dropping back to fourth in the Shootout after an untidy lap.
"Considering this is my best starting position for two years, I'm not too disappointed to have dropped back to fourth in the shootout," said Radisich.
"Before this weekend we were aiming for a top ten start as we knew we had good race pace. So far we've exceeded our expectations and I'm sure we're in for a good run in the race.
"In reality we've probably not got the fastest car, but that will not be the critical factor in what will be a tough and long race.
"In my co-driver Rickard Rydell, I have every confidence of being strong throughout the 161 laps."
Super Cheap Auto Racing's Steve Ellery was on one of the fastest laps in the Top Ten Shootout before he spun off the road. He will start from tenth.
Tomorrow's 500km race gets underway from 1pm. The race includes compulsory fuel and tyre stops, as well as a mandatory front brake pad change.
As it's a two-driver race, the minimum number of laps one driver can do is 54.
A win tomorrow will give Ford its eighth straight win in this year's V8 Supercar Championship Series.
--Ford press release
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