'Faultless' first test for Mustang prototype

DJR Team Penske and Ford Performance have hailed a ‘faultless’ first test for the new Mustang Supercar at Queensland Raceway.

The team undertook the first of its two homologation tests today at the Ipswich venue, with Scott McLaughlin and Fabian Coulthard taking turns behind the wheel.

DJRTP reported the Mustang 'ran faultlessly', and managing director Ryan Story said it could not have been happier with how the day unfolded.

“To see Mustang on track for the first time is a great milestone, as we’ve been working on this project in earnest since November last year. It is a testament to everyone involved,” Story said.

“It’s an encouraging start. The car looks fantastic, and both drivers reported that the car has plenty of promise. We couldn’t be more pleased with how things progressed today.”

McLaughlin said the balance of the car, which will be the first two-door to race in the Supercars era, was close to his current Falcon.

“First of all, the car looks awesome. It’s going to be so good to see it in Shell V-Power colours next year,” said McLaughlin.

“It’s a great start. It did everything we could expect of a brand-new race car, and the balance feels pretty close to our current package.

“Having now driven it, I’m massively excited for the 2019 season to begin.”

Ford Performance Aerodynamics lead Sriram Pakkam joined the testing team from the United States, seeing months of work come to life.

“It’s always a special moment when a project such as this one finally comes to fruition and rolls out onto the racetrack for the first time,” said Pakkam.

“This is a significant car for Ford, and this is demonstrated in the resources we’ve put into the project to ensure that we build the best race car possible, within Supercars’ regulations.

“First signs are positive, and we will continue the testing program over the next few weeks.”

Testing of the prototype Mustang is expected to continue at Phillip Island in Victoria later this week.