Tyres the biggest change for Super2 rookie

Tickford Racing’s Dunlop Super2 Series rookie Thomas Randle says tyres are the “hardest thing I’ve had to get used to” in his switch to Supercars from open-wheelers.

Randle joins the series in 2018 behind the wheel of a Tickford FG X, having raced in a variety of single-seater classes in Australia, New Zealand and Europe in recent years.

The 21-year-old has also raced LMP3 prototypes, Sports Sedans and contested a V8 Touring Car round last year.

He qualified 10th as the leading rookie in Adelaide last month, but his debut ended with a crash at Turn 8 on lap three of the opener, due to a power-steering failure.

"There are so many aspects that I've had to learn in a rapid window," Randle told Supercars.com.

"The main thing is the tyre, though, feeling the peak of the tyre and trying to be as consistent as you can.

"Rather than constantly changing the set-up and having to learn something new, I've just been learning one or a very similar set-up every time I go out on the track.

"The hardest thing I've had to get used to is the tyre, at the end of the day it's all about feel and this tyre is difficult to find the maximum out of it, which is something I'm still working on."

Randle is the only Super2 driver under the Tickford banner, alongside four Virgin Australia Supercars Championship entries.

The Ford driver says the transition into the new team has been smooth, aided by the ability to learn from the experienced main game drivers.

“When I'm in need of any driving support or have any questions it's kind of like an open book, all the guys are there to help," Randle said.

"I've sat in on a few debriefs and it's interesting to hear their thoughts on the car, and for sure there's a lot I'll be able to learn over the year with their techniques.

"I wasn't sure on how to start the car and I had a chat with Mark [Winterbottom] and he told me how he does it and he was really happy to help.

"I went for a track walk with Cam [Waters] at Adelaide and he was helping me out with the corners, and I think up until Friday of Race 1 it was going quite well.

"I think as the year goes on there will be more things I'll be able to bounce off them and who knows, there might be things they ask me."

The second round of the 2018 Dunlop Super2 Series will be held at Symmons Plains on April 6-8, as part of the Tyrepower Tasmania SuperSprint.