FPR Takes All The Spoils

Frosty finishes 1st in Race 1 and Richo 2nd

Fourteen seconds separated Ford Performance Racing from its nearest rivals in Darwin today as Mark Winterbottom and Steve Richards recorded the V8 Supercar Championship team's first one-two finish of the season.

After two quick pit stops early in the race the pair never looked back, shrugging off the 31 degree heat at Hidden Valley Raceway to record lap after lap of blistering pace.

Frosty's victory means he has taken a clean sweep of the round so far, qualifying on pole and setting the race's fastest time in the #5 Orrcon Ford Credit FPR Falcon with a 1:11.42 lap.

It was the ninth win of the 27-year-old's career and his fifth this season, placing him 66 points in front of Garth Tander in the championship lead. Richo's second place in the #6 Castrol FPR Falcon is his fourth 2008 podium.

The result is FPR's second one-two finish in its six-year history, the first coming in 2006 when Jason Bright led Frosty home at Symmons Plains.

Tomorrow's first race will begin at 11.30.

Mark Winterbottom #5 Orrcon Ford Credit FPR Falcon

'I was a little bit worried at the start line there because Steve is a bloody good starter; I've seen his data! Luckily I got to the first corner first and the car was just fantastic.

'Coming here 12 months ago we had a few weaknesses but we're on top of it now; we've worked hard for this. When you've got one car there it's great but when you've got two there it's exceptional.'

Steve Richards #6 Castrol FPR Falcon

'It's very nice to start on the front row next to your team mate. We talked about what would happen if we both got to the first corner together but it didn't come to that. The biggest drama in the race was kicking up some dirt and getting it in my eye but other than that it went brilliantly.

'The other teams are going to make changes before tomorrow and they'll come back stronger and fighting. We've got to improve as well to meet them and I would still like to win this round and mix it up with Frosty!'

Tim Edwards Team Principal

'It was an outstanding race by both the drivers and the crew. We've got two exceptionally quick cars and it's a credit to everybody that works for FPR. We've had such a dominant day; bring on tomorrow!'

V8 Supercar Championship Series Round 7 Hidden Valley Raceway

RACE ONE
1 Mark Winterbottom #5 Orrcon Ford Credit FPR Falcon
2 Steve Richards #6 Castrol FPR Falcon
3 Garth Tander HRT
4 Jamie Whincup 888
5 Craig Lowndes 888
6 Jason Richards Tasman