10 Apr WILD WEATHER MAKES TASSIE TRICKY
CRAIG LOWNDES drove through the field in difficult wet-dry conditions to a strong fourth place on Sunday in a rain-affected weekend of Supercar racing at Symmons Plains.
Saturday’s race three was effectively a non-event when a huge second lap crash caused the race to be suspended and although ultimately restarted behind the safety car, only a handful of laps were officially completed.
Craig was classified third but no championships points were awarded. Rain also affected Sunday’s race four and in tricky conditions, Craig drove to a strong fourth place.
“The car was really good (today). We had good pace throughout the race in the wet and the dry. We’re delighted with how the car was – we learned a lot from the Australian Grand Prix, which we carried into this weekend and that’s even more pleasing. We’re really happy with where we ended up and obviously we’ve got to continue this now into Phillip Island.”
FRIDAY
- Craig 22nd fastest in Practice 1
- Craig 9th fastest in Practice 2
“We came here with some decent practice tyres and we worked on a set of changes, which proved to be good. We were going to do a simulated qualifying run, but unfortunately, we had a steering rack leak, which put us out of the last eight minutes or so of the session. Then practice two was really good. We did a race run, which was really consistent, so we’re really happy with the way the car was performing there.”
SATURDAY
- Practice 3 starts wet, Craig fastest; doesn’t set representative time in dry conditions
- Craig qualifies 6th for Race 3 in wet but drying conditions
- Wet conditions, Race 3 stopped early for huge multi-car crash
- Restarted behind Safety Car, Craig placed 3rd – no points awarded
“It has been a crazy day! Qualifying went well. It’s always important to get the best out of the car at the right time and I think we did, even in the wet conditions, so that gave us a good start to the race.
“In the race itself there was a lot of carnage at the back, so it was lucky that we were at the front. We had a good start and stayed out of trouble. We got a couple of spots by other people slipping in the wet, so we did get lucky.
“But who knows what could have been. It’s great to be on the podium for the first time this year.
“For our small crew it’s an exciting time, but we’ve got to back it up tomorrow.”
SUNDAY
- Craig qualifies 8th for Race 4
- Wet start, track dries, Craig races to 4th
“It was a much better day today. The qualifying conditions were terrible with the weather, but we made the most of it.
“We started eighth, which was a little bit further back than we wanted, but the main thing was to stay out of trouble during the race and move forward when we could.”