V8SDS: Mark McNally Oran Park Friday notes

MCNALLY ON THE EDGE AT ORAN PARK

Mark McNally wrestled his way to 7th fastest on the opening day of practice at Sydney's Oran Park Raceway for Round 5 of the 2007 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series.

As a result, Mark has put himself into the important top-50% for qualifying tomorrow.

"It will help a lot to be in the top-50% tomorrow, with all the fast guys and a clear track," Mark said.

With just two practice sessions today, in preparation for qualifying and racing from tomorrow, it was important to get some solid feedback on the difficult circuit.

Mark described his car as "very unforgiving" after he was 14th fastest in the opening practice as the team tried to dial in a set-up with more driveability.

"I pushed hard in that first session," Mark said.

"We just didn't quite have the set-up but we were not far away."

A few tweaks for the second session and the car was faster, although still very difficult to drive.

"I am happy with the progress we are making but the car was a real handful out there.

"The way it is, there is no room for error, not even an inch; so we need to make it a lot more driver-friendly.

"If we can get it to be friendlier to drive I am sure we can get a bit more speed out of it tomorrow," he said.

Qualifying and Race 1 are on tomorrow, with Race 2 and 3 on Sunday.

-credit: mm