|
Strong testing performances has given Ford Tickford Racing duo Glenn Seton and Steven Richards plenty of confidence going into opening round of the 2001 Shell Championship Series on March 24 and 25 at Victoria's Phillip Island.
Seton qualified third at the non-championship Australian Grand Prix meeting and scored three top ten finishes (9th, 7th and 4th), while Richards climbed from a 16th place on the grid to take 10th and 2nd, before damaging the front of the Falcon XR8 in the final race of the weekend.
"This was my first meeting with the team since moving over from Holden, so to gain that second placing in race two was a great feeling," said Richards.
"I now better understand the FTR Falcon and I'm confident of qualifying well up the order and having the best opportunity of taking victory.
For team leader Glenn Seton the off-season testing program is set to pay-off at Phillip Island.
"Although the Grand Prix showed that we have the speed, I know that there was room for improvement and that will come on line at Phillip Island," said Seton.
"It's one of our nominated test tracks, so we have plenty of information on just how to best set the car up.
"This doesn't necessarily mean we have a massive advantage over our rivals, but in a sport where a second can separate the top 10 drivers, every small gain can work to your benefit.
The Phillip Island meeting will feature two 28-lap races, as well as a Bathurst styled top-ten shootout.
The races also include a compulsory four-tyre pit stop, placing plenty of pressure on the crews.
FTR has even built a pit stop rig at its race shop, so that the team can continually practice what will be an all-important element of the 2001 season.
"For spectators this adds a great element to the racing, where the winner will be the best team and not just the best driver," said Seton.
"Steven and I are confident and with that positive attitude now extended to the FTR crew members, I anticipate coming away from Phillip Island smiling.
|
