Davison targets AGP for DJR bounceback

Bouncing back strongly is the Shell V-Power Racing Team's goal at this weekend's Beaurepaires Melbourne SuperSprint, says Will Davison.

Dick Johnson Racing scored three ARMOR ALL Poles at Albert Park last year, and is smarting after a difficult first round in Newcastle.

Davison and Anton De Pasquale are 16th and 17th in the points, having battled over one lap and in the races in their new Ford Mustangs.

DJR was the only team that missed a top 10 result in either qualifying or race at the first round of the Gen3 era.

However, given his team’s form in Melbourne last year, Davison is confident he can help improve his team’s fortunes after missing out earlier this month.

“The scheduling is full-on, it’s quite unique having four short and sharp qualifying and race formats,” he continued.

“I love the Grand Prix — we’re obviously keen to get back on track after a difficult opening round in Newcastle.

Podiums in 2022 for DJR at Albert Park

“We’re certainly keen to make sure we bounce back.”

Albert Park hosts a vastly different challenge to Newcastle; drivers will qualify for the four sprint races in quick fire 15-minute sessions.

Given lap times are in excess of 100 seconds, drivers must nail their flyers on the 5.278km circuit should they aim for the front of the grid.

It’s a stark contrast to Newcastle, which — at 2.641km — is 2.637km shorter than Albert Park.

Newcastle lap times are over 30 seconds quicker than Albert Park, meaning drivers have ample opportunity to recover from errors.

Should drivers miss out in qualifying, they have either 13 (Races 5 and 6), 15 (Race 4) or 19 (Race 3) laps to make up ground.

Given all four races count for championship points, points leader Chaz Mostert labelled the Albert Park format as “cutthroat”.

DJR missed out in Newcastle

DJR veteran Davison was one driver to convert speed into one-lap results at Albert Park last year, qualifying no worse than fourth.

“It’s a polar opposite to Newcastle — you couldn’t have a more different type of circuit and requirement from car set-up,” Davison said.

“We’re still very unfamiliar with the Gen3 package, but it’s a new set of circumstances to try and learn more about the car.

“We’ve got four individual qualifying sessions, so you get punished for mistakes.

"Dual compounds with the Super Soft tyre and the Hard tyre being required in both races.

“I like the nature of the circuit. We obviously had some strong results there last year… I can’t wait to see what we can do.”

Cars will hit the track at the Beaurepaires Melbourne SuperSprint on Thursday for two practice sessions, two qualifying sessions and Race 3.