FPR places hope in test day

Defence was the name of the game at Sandown Raceway today as Ford Performance Racing lasted through on-track brawls and pit lane dramas to finish 12th and 16th.

The team found itself removed from the sharp end after again struggling in qualifying; Mark Winterbottom led the team into the race from P15 followed by team-mate Steve Richards in P16. 

A late charge from Frosty, who passed four cars in six laps as the Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon's fuel load came down, showed a glimpse of the car's potential.

"When you can't control where you're finishing it's frustrating but we've got to make sure that we all come together and have a good think and work hard; that's the key," said Frosty.

"On a light fuel tank the car was good but various incidents, like when you're double queuing in the pits or stuck behind other cars, just made it worse and worse for us." 

Richo maintained great pace in the Castrol FPR Falcon throughout, holding off cars on the faster soft tyre, but did not have enough to keep the top ten place he held for much of the race.

"You had guys right behind you on the soft tyres and you were having to defend all the time," said Richo. "We managed to keep McConville out for two safety car periods but when you're working the car you can't keep keeping on; the car can't sustain that."

After the promise of Friday's fastest practice time, the team is bitterly disappointed with the weekend's results and determined to use next week's test day to rejoin the main V8 Supercar battle.

FPR will next be on track at Ipswich, Queensland from August 21-23.

Norton 360 Sandown Challenge
SANDOWN INTERNATIONAL MOTOR RACEWAY
V8 SUPERCARS - Qualifying - Race 14
1. Will Davison, HRT, 1:09.7472*
2. James Courtney, DJR, +0.1205
3. Steven Johnson, DJR, +0.1807
4. Rick Kelly, Kelly Racing, +0.1925
5. Fabian Coulthard, PCR, +0.1935
6. Garth Tander, HRT, +0.2346

15. Mark Winterbottom, Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon, +0.4226
16. Steve Richards, Castrol FPR Falcon, +0.4449

Norton 360 Sandown Challenge
SANDOWN INTERNATIONAL MOTOR RACEWAY
V8 SUPERCARS - Race 14
1. Garth Tander, HRT
2. Will Davison, HRT
3. Jamie Whincup, 888
4. Cameron McConville, BJR
5. Craig Lowndes, 888
6. Jason Richards, BJR

12. Steve Richards, Castrol FPR Falcon
16. Mark Winterbottom, Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon