|
Young Queenslander ains to step up in Fujitsu V8s |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, 16 July 2008 |
Fujitsu Racing’s Damian Assaillit is confident of taking it to the competition at the fourth round of the Fujitsu V8 Series at Queensland Raceway.
The 18-year-old racer has shown plenty of improvement over the first half of the year, but he feels that coming to a track he knows extremely well will be the catalyst to him leaping into the top-10.
“We have been improving and it’s good to come to a track I know like the back of my hand,” said Assaillit.
“There could be up to 40 entries for this round, so it’s going to be a big challenge. However, we have prepared well and I see a top-10 as a realistic goal.
“Our big issue has been qualifying. Over the past couple of rounds we have passed a lot of cars in the races, but it’s been tough when we are starting in the middle of the pack.
“I have learnt a lot about communicating with my engineers to improve the car. This has included a test session, plus ongoing support from Jason Bright and the V8 Supercar Championship Series Fujitsu Racing team. Those guys will be racing this weekend as well, so that assistance will be a big help again.”
Prepared and run by Race Image Motorsport, Team Principal David McMahon is confident of a good performance.
“Our car has been very strong in the races,” said McMahon.
“We have not been able to get that little bit extra for qualifying. Along with Damian, we are putting a major emphasis on qualifying in Queensland, as we are sure to be able to race with the leading teams.
“The whole group has been improving. It just shows that this series is very competitive both from a team and driver’s point of view.
“Our reliability has been outstanding and that has been a big factor in us completing every single lap this season. A little more speed and I’m sure we will come away very pleased on Sunday night.”
Assaillit and the Fujitsu Racing team hit the track on Friday for two practice sessions. Qualifying and the opening 14-lap race will be held on Saturday, with the final two 14-lap races held on Sunday.
FUJITSU V8 SUPERCAR SERIES
Round 4 of 7 - Queensland Raceway, Ipswich, QLD
Championship Points after Round 3
1. Steve Owen 786
2. Michael Trimble 618
=2. David Reynolds 618
4. Jonathon Webb 590
5. Karl Reindler 544
6. Jack Perkins 542
7. Dean Canto 518
8. Tim Slade 505
9. Grant Denyer 498
10. Dale Wood 493
15. Damian Assaillit 380
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday July 18
9:00am – 9:45am – Practice 1
11:15pm – 12:00pm – Practice 2
Saturday July 19
10:00am – 10:20am – Qualifying (Lower 50%)
10:25am – 10:45am – Qualifying (Upper 50%)
2:10pm – Race One (14 laps)
Sunday July 209:30am – Race Two (14 laps)
4:15pm – Race Three (14 laps)
|
|
|
