Slow Times Means Lots to Learn

The slow times in the opening practice session for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 are indicative of car set-up issues along pitlane, says BOC Holden Commodore VF driver Jason Bright.

The Brad Jones Racing ace, who shares with Andrew Jones in the 1000km classic, was third fastest in a session where no car broke the 2min10sec barrier. The V8 Supercar practice lap record at the circuit is 2min06.8012 set by Craig Lowndes in 2010.

Lowndes was fastest in the session in his Red Bull Commodore followed by Mark Winterbottom in the FPR Pepsi Max Ford Falcon FG.

Bright said the new Car of the Future technical regulations – which include the swap from live rear axle to independent rear suspension, a transaxle and 18-inch rubber – were proving a challenge on the daunting 6.213km circuit. That was underlined by the fastest time in the opening Dunlop Series practice in the old cars being in the 2min09s.

“Judging by the times I don’t think anyone would be happy with their cars at the moment,” Bright told v8supercars.com.au. “I think we all have a lot to learn about a high speed circuit at the moment. The car is fairly lively for what I would be happy with around here for 1000km.

“There are places we are struggling to get it turned. My time at the end of the session was an improvement we made in that area so hopefully we have got a direction now that will help us until the end of the day.”

Encouragingly, Jones jumped in the car for a couple of laps at the end of the session to prepare for the co-driver practice session which starts at 1.15pm AEDT. He was competitive with other co-drivers who had laps.

Bright said he was unsure if the lap record would come under threat this year.

“I don’t know if sixes are achievable but the track will certainly improve as time goes on.

“We haven’t been here before with these cars or run on a high speed circuit. It is a completely different kettle of fish compared to anywhere else we run.”

Click here for full session results from Practice One.