FPR resumes winning ways

29 March 2009

Frosty wins the second race at the AGP

Mark Winterbottom recaptured the form that saw him win seven races last year, dominating today’s 15-lap V8 Supercar race at Albert Park.

The Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon got an incredible start, swerving past Craig Lowndes’ Ford Falcon to take the lead. After that Frosty never looked threatened as he controlled the race from beginning to end.

Steve Richards was relegated to the back of the grid after accepting responsibility for yesterday’s incident, which ended Rick Kelly’s race. The Castrol FPR Falcon drove a grueling race, surviving a late safety car period and hectic restart whilst battling with both Kelly Racing cars to finish 18^th.

Both cars are back in action for tomorrow’s third race at 14:35.

Mark Winterbottom - #5 Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon

“The car’s a lot better today. The tyre temperatures yesterday were the issue but they were really good early today; in fact it was better earlier than later. I don’t think there was much between Will’s car and myself; track position was the key.

“After the restart I had a whole lot of under-steer and I lost the balance of the car so I was just trying to hold on until the end. It’s nice to get a win and show the car’s competitive.

“Everyone can sit here and say it’s an exhibition event but we could play indoor cricket and we’d all want to win; we’re just competitive. FPR is the factory Ford team and it’s important to the manufacturer so of course I’m pleased with the win.”

Steve Richards - #6 Castrol FPR Falcon

“After the safety car there was a drama at the second to last turn; the Kellys got a better run onto the straight because I was held up by all the spinning cars in front of me.

“The car was much better than yesterday and I was passing in the first couple of laps because everyone was bunched up and I was able to position the car. It’s still a mile away from where it needs to be though; when the cars spaced out it was much harder to pass because I’ve still got too much under-steer.”

Sprint Gas V8 Supercar Manufacturers Challenge

ALBERT PARK GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT

RACE TWO

• 01. Mark Winterbottom, #5 Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon
• 02. Will Davison, HRT
• 03. Craig Lowndes, 888
• 04. Steven Johnson,  DJR
• 05. Jason Richards, BJR
• 06. Jamie Whincup, 888
• 18. Steve Richards, #6 Castrol FPR Falcon