FALCONS FLY IN WINDY WESTERN SYDNEY

August 18, 2017

SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK SUPERSPRINT – FRIDAY AUGUST 18 - PRACTICE

Fabian Coulthard - No. 12 Shell V-Power Racing Ford

Practice 1 – 5th (Fastest Lap: 1m30.4968s)
Practice 2 – 8th (Fastest Lap: 1m29.5478s)

Scott McLaughlin - No. 17 Shell V-Power Racing Ford

Practice 1 – 2nd (Fastest Lap: 1m30.3412s)
Practice 2 – FIRST (Fastest Lap: 1m28.8500s)

Fabian Coulthard - No. 12 Shell V-Power Racing Ford

Recap: Coulthard had a solid opening day at Sydney Motorsport Park, in tricky conditions that saw 30+km/h winds streaking across the circuit all day. Coulthard and his engineering group took the decision to save a set of green tyres, meaning that he set his fastest lap on old tyres, one of the fastest to do so. Signs are good for a solid gain on green tyres in qualifying tomorrow.

Quote: "The car felt good, and I'm pretty happy. The conditions were tough. That wind is probably the strongest I've driven in. It really affected balance around the circuit, particularly on the front straight. Getting the car turned at the final corner was real hard, but it then turned into Turn 1 beautifully with the wind assisting. This place is renowned for a good green tyre gain, so we should go OK tomorrow."

Scott McLaughlin - No. 17 Shell V-Power Racing Ford

Recap: McLaughlin's top of the timesheet form continued today, finishing second in opening practice before topping the timesheets in a near lap record time late in the final session. He and his engineers worked on race set-up, before the qualifying switch in Practice 2. They took green tyres, which netted a very solid gain and he will be looking to continue his 14 race streak of front row starts in qualifying tomorrow.

Quote: "We've got another practice tomorrow, but we've got a good read on the tyres. We got through everything we wanted to and It's a nice feeling to be up the front. Starting up the front means we can gain points, and keep moving forward which is vital to our championship. We need to convert this pace in qualifying tomorrow, and then see how we go."