Whincup steps in

Jamie Whincup is behind the wheel of the TeamVortex Holden Commodore at Queensland Raceway today for the team’s new car shakedown.

Regular driver Craig Lowndes has been advised not to drive, as he recovers from a broken collarbone sustained over summer. 

Despite missing today’s 60km run, Triple Eight is confident Lowndes will be back in the car for Thursday’s crucial pre-season test.

Speaking at his TeamVortex launch earlier this month, Lowndes explained his injury and recovery process, saying it has hindered his training regime ahead of physically demanding season opener the Clipsal 500. 

The injury meant he was unable to contest the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, which new teammate Shane van Gisbergen won.

Despite the setback, Lowndes and his team do not doubt he will be fit for the March 3-6 Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.

“The test will probably also be a test for me too – so that will sort of take care of itself, I’ll get in the car and drive around,” Lowndes said at the launch in reference to Thursday’s full-day test. 

“QR is not the most high loading circuit. It’s more focus on Clipsal, make sure we’re right – because we know the Clipsal street circuit is quite a demanding circuit on the body as well as the mind.”

Team boss Roland Dane said Red Bull co-driver Paul Dumbrell would be on hand on Thursday to step in for Lowndes if required. 

Meanwhile, Van Gisbergen is also on-track today with a new car. While driving a Triple Eight built customer car at TEKNO Autosports last year, this is his first opportunity to sample the same machinery his teammates will be racing. 

Whincup received a new car at the Wilson Security Sandown 500 last year, which he will run this season.   

More to come from Queensland Raceway today.