Second podium for Frosty

6 December 2009

Frosty finishes 3rd after the toughest race of the season

Mark Winterbottom was again on the podium today, the only V8 Supercar driver to deliver two top-three finishes in one of the toughest rounds of the year.

The inaugural Sydney Telstra 500 proved a race of attrition, with only half the V8 field finishing today’s 250km, including both Ford Performance Racing FG Falcons.

“They were really tough conditions at the end with the track breaking up and cars spearing off,” said Frosty. “It’s the battle of the toughest but I was determined to get another podium.”

Frosty started from fourth in the Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon and dodged everything thrown at him to battle through for third by the chequered flag at his home round, consolidating his fifth in the championship overall.

“This race was incredibly tough so to be on the podium two days in a row is a great effort from the guys,” he said. “I got a really reliable car from them, despite my best efforts to break it! I hit every tyre bundle and wall out there I think!

“To finish the way we have is fantastic for next year. We’ve got momentum and plenty of speed. Hopefully we start 2010 better than we did this year.”

Team-mate Steve Richards was turned around by Shane Van Gisbergen on lap one and went seven laps down. “Everyone on the first lap is just trying not to have a crash,” said Richo. “Everyone’s nose-to-tail so you need to put yourself in a position where you’re not going to get served up. And then there’s Shane on the outside of the fastest corner, where you can’t pass anywhere. He just doesn’t think.”

The Castrol FPR Falcon driver pushed on despite the disappointment and was rewarded with a 15th place finish, elevating him two places in the championship to 13th overall.

FPR will be testing later this month before the Christmas break. The team will be back in action at the brand new Abu Dhabi track in February for the 2010 season.

Team Principal Tim Edwards is already focussed on the future: “There’s no doubt this has been one of the most challenging years since I joined FPR but it’s a true testament to the team that they haven’t got bogged down with our up-and-down performance and everyone’s worked as hard as they can to get us to the front

“I’d just like to thank everyone in the team for all their hard work. We’ve learned a lot this year but we finished the season with a strong car which bodes well for 2010. Roll on Abu Dhabi.”

Sydney Telstra 500
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK STREET CIRCUIT
Qualifying - Race 26
1. Lee Holdsworth, GRM, 1:29.3047R
2. James Courtney, DJR, +0.0993
3. Rick Kelly, Kelly Racing, 0.1259
4. Mark Winterbottom, Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon, +0.1371

5. Greg Murphy, Tasman, +0.2513
6. Michael Caruso, GRM, +0.3063
22. Steve Richards, Castrol FPR Falcon, +1.0779

Sydney Telstra 500
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK STREET CIRCUIT
Race 26
1. James Courtney, DJR
2. Michael Caruso, GRM
3. Mark Winterbottom, Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon
4. Russell Ingall, PMM
5. Fabian Coulthard, PCR
6. Shane Van Gisbergen, SBR
15. Steve Richards, Castrol FPR Falcon

V8 Supercars Series Points Report 2009
DRIVERS
1. Jamie Whincup, 888
2. Will Davison, HRT
3. Garth Tander, HRT
4. Craig Lowndes, 888
5. Mark Winterbottom, Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon
13. Steve Richards, Castrol FPR Falcon

V8 Supercars Series Points Report 2009
TEAMS
1. HRT
2. 888
3. DJR
4. FP
R

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