Engineer Preview: MSS Security Challenge

Russell Ingall has won a record eight races over the years at the Albert Park circuit.

And this week's MSS Security Challenge – which begins on the streets of Melbourne tomorrow – will play into Ingall's hands, with a revised format meaning just one qualifying session across the event. Grid spots will be determined on points accumulated at the event – the way the veteran likes it, rewarding those who make up positions during a race, rather than in a qualifying session. The driver with the most points will be crowned the Champion on the world stage, ahead of the year's opening Formula One race.

How will new formats affect the V8 Supercars at the event? Ingall's engineer Brendan Hogan explained to v8supercars.com.au. 

**V8supercars.com.au: What are the main characteristics of the circuit?**

Hogan: “Albert Park is as smooth as a pool table.

“Most of the apex speeds are quite slow (110-80km/h), but all of the corners leading onto the straights are very long and loaded.

“Rear stability in these long radius corners will be the key to a mega lap time around here.”

How will the weekend’s format affect setup and strategy?

“The format will have no influence on setup or strategy as the races are not long enough (10 laps for Race One, 12 for Two to Four).

“The only variable that will change the strategy is the weather and being in Melbourne, we could expect anything.”

Which parts of the “new rules” (rolling restart, accumulative qualifying, double file safety car restarts, final race double points) will be the most challenging?

“Russ is pretty excited about the accumulative qualifying format which is going to make my life easier, although he will still need to rag it in qualifying to put us further up the grid.

“The double points final race will be an exciting climax to the weekend and I'm sure teams will be giving it their all to secure the overall win at the event in that final race. 

“The rolling starts/restarts will be the most challenging part of the weekend; Clipsal has shown us that it can turn very expensive very quickly and with the longer run to turn one, the initial reaction will be even more critical.”

What is the tyre allocation and what sort of degradation are you expecting? How will this impact setup and strategy? 

“We have four sets of tyres for four races, this format of racing is an all-out sprint to the flag.

“The Dunlop 'soft' tyre is too hard for degradation to be a factor in these short races so you shouldn’t see anyone pitting for fresh rubber. Also, pit lane is so long that you would never make up the time if you did pit. 

“The races will be time certain finish if there is a Safety Car.” 

What aspects of the circuit are you expecting to suit your cars and what do you have to be mindful of?

“We really struggled over the bumps into turn four at Clipsal, but Russell was really happy with the car everywhere else.

“We are looking forward to getting on a track with no bumps again after we had pace at Sydney Motorsport Park and then again at our test day at Winton Motor Raceway.

“Albert Park is such a massive track, getting the cold tyre pressures correct for a single lap will be the key for qualifying.”

What are you expecting to be the most important thing to do well this weekend? 

“Like always, you need to have outright speed and everything else takes care of itself. 

“Qualifying well for the first race will put us closer to the front and make the races easier 

“We have four races with accumulative points contributing to the final three races starting positions, and as Russ proved in Clipsal, he’s a good racer so we should be able to finish with a solid final result.”

The MSS Security Challenge begins tomorrow with Practice at 1.30pm and 4.10pm, with Qualifying at 6pm. Tickets are available now.