Queensland: Stone Brothers Racing Saturday report

Stone Brothers Racing's Marcos Ambrose recorded his fourth consecutive pole position at Queensland Raceway when he took the number one spot for tomorrow's sixth round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

Ambrose was second fastest in the afternoon qualifying session, but improved one place in the top 10 shootout in his Pirtek Falcon

Ambrose's Stone Brothers Racing teammate Russell was third quickest in qualifying, but dropped three places in the shootout in his Caltex Havoline Ford after slightly missing his one-lap set-up.

Ambrose set a time of one minute and 10.5335 seconds to edge out Holden's Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly.

Ironically, today's effort equaled Skaife's record of four consecutive poles at Darwin's Hidden Valley Raceway from 2001 to this year.

"This track is very unique," said Ambrose.

"We come and test here in summer and we are lucky to get down to a mid 11.

"The sun started to go down a little by the time I got out in the shootout and grip level increased slightly.

"The track was certainly changing and we got it right.

"It is important for us to have a strong result here tomorrow and head towards the endurance races with as big a gap as possible in the championship.

"There was a lot of pressure on us at the end of last year and it was a good feeling once we got the championship under our belt.

"I guess that has allowed us to enjoy this year's championship a lot more. A part of that has been the increase in competition."

Ingall, who is the defending race champion at Queensland Raceway, believes he has a very good race package for tomorrow's 90-lap race.

"I think we should have had a quicker time in the shootout, but we missed it," said Ingall.

"We have concentrated on out race set-up in every session and I feel terrific heading into tomorrow's race.

"There is nothing between the top 10 cars, but I think our ability to judge the changing conditions over a course of a race will help our cause.

"We also have a terrific pit crew who are great to have on your side when you have both a compulsory fuel and tyre stop to make during a race.

"Tomorrow is going to be a long day and we are ready for that."

-sbr-