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Ford Performance Racing has completed its second 2008 test and
registered 100% reliability from its new components as well as posting the
two fastest times at Winton Motor Raceway today.
FPR registered nearly 300 laps between the #5 Orrcon Ford Credit
and #6 Castrol FPR Falcons, with enduro drivers Luke Youlden and Dean Canto
both getting an hour each behind the wheel in overcast, cool conditions.
The team was testing new engine, chassis and suspension elements
as well as bedding in parts whose manufacture has been brought in-house,
extending FPR’s self-reliance. In addition, some of today’s work
will be implemented into the new FG race car.
The test was attended by Tasman Motorsport, Garry Rogers
Motorsport, Ford Rising Stars, Rod Nash Racing and Rick Kelly who shook down
his new car.
Tim
Edwards
Team
Principal
“It’s been a long break since we’ve been able
to try new components so it was an extensive testing programme today. Even
so, there was absolutely no down-time from any component failure at all,
which is pretty incredible for so many new parts.
“After such great results, there’s potential for
some of the new elements to be introduced later this year, although
everything’s out the door for Darwin because we’ll be running a
new tyre compound there and won’t be introducing anything new.”
Steven
Richards
#6
Castrol FPR Falcon
“We were doing a lot of routine things like running new
components and trying new things for the Winton race meeting as much as
anything else. The car felt like it usually does, but the track didn’t
have much grip.
“All the things we try on the car are with a view to
improving it in one way or another, whether it’s speed, reliability or
making it easier to work on; it all adds to the overall performance.
It’s important to keep progressing with development and not rest on
your laurels.”
Luke
Youlden
FPR
Enduro Driver
“I’ve
been fortunate to drive with some pretty good teams in V8 but they all
achieve their times in slightly different ways. The FPR car is a bit stiffer
in the chassis so you have to drive it a bit smoother, but it’s doing
the times so I’d have to say it’s one of the better car’s
I’ve driven.”
Dean
Canto
FPR
Enduro Driver
“We
haven’t been told any driver combinations yet but it doesn’t
really matter as far as driving style. You just have to match the full-time
driver and, looking at the data, we all drive in a very similar way. At the
end of the day it will be up to the engineers.”
2008
V8 Supercar Championship Series – TEST DAY
Winton
Motor Raceway: V8 SUPERCARS
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1
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Mark
Winterbottom
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#5
Orrcon Ford Credit FPR Falcon
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1:23.92
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2
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Steve
Richards
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#6
Castrol FPR Falcon
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1:24.09
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3
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Jason
Richards
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Tasman
Motorsport
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1:24.15
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4
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Michael
Patrizi
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Ford
Rising Stars
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1:24.97
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5
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Paul
Morris
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PMM
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1:25.01
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6
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Greg
Murphy
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Tasman
Motorsport
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1:25.10
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