AUS: Albert Park AGP race two notes

BACK TO BACK WINS FOR RICHARDS AT ALBERT PARK

It was a case of dejà vu for Jim Richards and Fabian Coulthard today in race two of the Michelin Carrera Cup at the Formula 1 Foster's Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.

Coulthard in his Glenfords Tool Centres-backed Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car won the start, before Richards (OAMPS Insurance Brokers) finally found a way past mid-race and held on to take his second consecutive race win at the Grand Prix.

The two combatants were never more than a car length away from each other over the entire eight-lap race, with Richards' experience proving the dominant factor at this stage of their rivalry.

Coulthard can leave the track pleased by the fact he set a new race lap record in his Porsche machine of 2:02.1425, eclipsing the standard set by last year's Carrera Cup champion Alex Davison.

A great story to emerge from the Michelin Carrera Cup this weekend, is the rise of 21-year-old Sydney driver Jonathon Webb into serious championship podium contender.

With a new team, Paul Cruickshank Racing, behind him, Webb showed signs of promise by claiming podiums at Sandown and Bathurst last year. And he has started 2005 off positively with a third place finish today adding to his third yesterday.

"There has been a lot of factors in the improvement," said Webb. "I've got a really professional team looking after the car and providing guidance, we've been doing plenty of miles in testing, and the racing experience in New Zealand pre-season has helped a lot."

Webb was fortunate to finish third today, after Carrera Cup debutant Luke Youlden (Team VIP Petfoods) looked set to land a podium finish. However a bad case of calf cramping took its toll on the 27-year-old in the final two laps, enabling Webb to get past for third place.

The top four drivers all clocked best lap times in the 2:02 to 2:03 range, setting the scene for an exciting final race at the Grand Prix tomorrow.

Charlie O'Brien rounded out the top five, finishing a couple of seconds ahead of Alan Gurr and Peter Fitzgerald who engaged in a great one-on-one tussle.

In other news, Bryce Washington has been excluded from the remainder of the Grand Prix and handed a $5000 fine suspended until June, following his involvement in an incident at the first turn of race one yesterday.

Race three of the Michelin Carrera Cup at the Formula 1 Foster's Australian Grand Prix will be held tomorrow, Saturday March 5 at 3.30pm. Jim Richards, Ian Dyk and Jonathon Webb will also be showcasing their cars and meeting their fans during a public Pit Straight Walk at 7am.

Network Ten will be telecasting race three live tomorrow during the live coverage of the Foster's Australian Grand Prix.

-cupcar.au-