By Ford Performance Racing 9:41 AM Sat 13 November, 2010
Source: V8 Supercars Australia
In a boost to the Blue Oval’s chances of victory this weekend, Dunlop Super Dealer FPR Falcon racer Steve Richards posted the second fastest time in today’s practice sessions at Symmons Plains in Tasmania – hotly followed by his FPR teammate Mark Winterbottom who was fourth quickest.
Richo, who qualified second fastest in his last race at the Gold Coast a few weeks ago is enjoying the new speed and believes there’s no reason why he can’t be on the front row for the start of tomorrow’s first race.
“The car has been really responsive since Phillip Island and our qualifying speed is up to scratch,” Richo said.
“A lot of things change over the course of a year and finally a variety of things are coming together and we’re back at the front where we should be,” he added.
Unseasonably warm weather greeted the V8 Supercar circus, with sporadic drizzle throughout the day hinting on what may await the field come the weekend.
“This weekend is going to go the way of those who are on the ball and make the right decisions at the right time … you have the threat of rain, lapped traffic, then the choice of sprint tyres, wets, or the standard control tyre so those variables alone are going to make for some great racing and interesting results,” Richo said.
“We still have to get through qualifying tomorrow but I’m quietly confident we can back up today’s result,” he concluded.
Richo’s ‘brother-in-blue’ Frosty also had a good day out, although would have liked some more time in the car to dial-in a few extra changes.
“Overall I’m happy with the car speed we had today,” Frosty said.
“It’s hard to get through everything you want to do in just two 30-minute sessions but them’s the rules and everyone else in the top-15 has to work to the same constraints,” he added.
“We’ll make a few changes overnight so she’s quick out of the box tomorrow morning and go from there,” Frosty said.
The FPR Falcons next take to the Symmons Plains circuit tomorrow morning at 11.20am for qualifying, followed by the top-ten shootout at 12.20pm and race one at 3.35pm.
