The Crittenden Automotive Library

VAN GISBERGEN INTO AGP SHOOT-OUT

Topics: Australian Grand Prix

VAN GISBERGEN INTO AGP SHOOT-OUT

Stone Brothers Racing
March 26, 2009

Coming off a busy race schedule at last weekend’s Clipsal 500 SP Tools Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen and IRWIN Racing’s Alex Davison took to the track at Melbourne’s Albert Park Street Circuit in support of the Formula 1 at the Australian Grand Prix today.

In contrast to last year’s overwhelming heat, perfect weather surprised teams and spectators alike, as the rain that was forecast did not make an appearance ensuring relatively comfortable conditions for the drivers.

The 30 minute practice saw history repeat for Davison as his Ford FG Falcon suffered early engine dramas and was unable to complete the session after reports from the drivers cabin stating there was a miss fire and the car was experiencing massive oversteer.

Shane worked with his engineer, Paul Forgie, making adjustments throughout the session, before reporting he too was struggling with engine power as the #9 FG Falcon suffered complications resulting in Shane posting a quickest time only good enough for 19th position.

In the time available in between sessions the SBR team were forced to make an engine change to the IRWIN Racing Falcon, its second change in as many rounds. Car #4 left the SBR garage five minutes before the start of qualifying to take its place in the 30 minute session.

A red flag was deployed after Daniel Fiore’s car had to be towed from the sand trap costing teams’ valuable time in the session. With 6 minutes left it was touch and go to make the Shoot-Out as the track went green and the SBR cars had little opportunity to use the remaining laps to post a time worthy of the top ten.

The engine change proved to be step in the right direction for Davison as he improved his position finishing 21st, while van Gisbergen posted his fastest time in the dying moments of the session crossing the line 10th quickest.

Tomorrow the V8 Supercars will hit the track for the Top Ten Shoot –Out at 3:10pm, before Race 1 at 6:15pm AEDT.