FPR pre-enduro Winton test 2 notes

September 1, 2004 - Ford Performance Racing (FPR) has completed a comprehensive second day of testing prior to the 2004 endurance races at Sandown (September 12) and Bathurst (October 10).

Held in fine weather conditions at the three kilometre Victorian circuit, both the CAT FPR Falcon and the Ford Credit FPV Falcon were on the track on Tuesday (August 31) with FPR endurance race drivers Alain Menu and Adam Macrow heading the major testing for the day. Menu and Macrow were joined by experienced Ford V8 Supercar driver Greg Ritter and 2004 Konica V8 Supercar Series runner up Luke Youlden.

Macrow and Menu, who will be racing the Ford Credit FPV Falcon at Sandown and Bathurst, proved to be a strong combination. Adam set consistent lap times throughout the day in both FPR Falcons whilst Alain used the day to better acquaint himself with V8 Supercars. Car 5's running was disrupted by an off circuit foray by Menu, the resulting damage to the splitter, water radiator and power steering pump, caused the car to be withdrawn from the test.

As was the case during the team's last test at this venue one week ago, the CAT FPR Falcon completed a productive and trouble-free run, this time running a total of 141 laps, the break up being:

Adam Macrow (15 Laps Car 5 / 57 laps Car 6)
Alain Menu (25 Laps Car 5 / 25 Laps Car 6)
Greg Ritter (25 Laps Car 6)
Luke Youlden (32 Laps Car 6)

According to FPR Chief Engineer John Russell, the day provided excellent back up to the data gained from team's last test with Craig Lowndes, Glenn Seton and Andrew Jones at the wheel.

"Blessed again by great weather, we worked through the car program and rotated all the drivers through each change to assess both their performance and feedback," Russell said.

"Despite the team having to use some well worn tyres, as this was our second test since the Oran Park round, both Greg and Luke did a highly commendable job in the car and I was impressed with their conduct and input. The team as a group has worked very well at these two tests and I look forward to the race at Sandown delivering a result that rewards their spirit and enthusiasm", Russell said.

Alain Menu - "I was very happy with the test - my lap times improved significantly from the last test and the team improved the car a great deal throughout the day. This makes me very optimistic for Sandown and Bathurst. I was very impressed with Adam's performance and aside from my off track excursion, the day was very productive."

Adam Macrow - "I gained some strong mileage in both FPR Falcons today and I am very pleased with how it all progressed. It was a busy day of testing and the various set ups we tried paid off in quicker lap times as the day progressed. Following this test, I believe that Alain and I will be a strong combination at Sandown and Bathurst."

-fpr-