Surfers Paradise: Kelly Racing Friday report

TAGLIANI ON SONG IN GOLD COAST PRACTICE

IndyCar star Alex Tagliani has performed well during practice for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 at the Surfers Paradise street circuit in Queensland today.

Tagliani, who has previously finished on the podium in Champ Car competition on the Gold Coast, was pleased with his progress aboard the #11 Rock Racing Commodore during today's four practice sessions.

His day was highlighted by fourth place in the practice session dedicated to the 18 international drivers at this weekend's event.

Jason Bargwanna, who is paired with Tagliani in the Rock Racing entry, posted times comparable to the top twelve fastest during various parts of the day. Unfortunately for the former Gold Coast event winner, he was unable to get the most out of a new set of tyres on his final run and finished with the 26th fastest time of the day.

Tony Ricciardello and Dale Wood are both making their Gold Coast debut this weekend aboard the #16 Stratco Commodore. After using today's practice sessions as a learning experience the pair are confident of moving up the order as the weekend progresses.

Mark Winterbottom set the fastest time of the day ahead of Paul Dumbrell and James Courtney.

KELLY RACING QUOTEBOARD:

JASON BARGWANNA - #11 Rock Holden Commodore

"The way the car has gone in the four practice sessions Tags has had a good run and I've had a good run," said Jason Bargwanna.

"We just didn't really get the most out of the green tyre run, we went from probably running in the top 12 cars to what looks pretty bad on the timesheet but we're confident that by tomorrow we'll get it right.

"Traffic is a bit of an issue around here with the shorter track, on the green tyre run I got caught in turn one with a car coming out of pit lane. I think the potential of the car is there but we've obviously got some work to do and we'll see what we can come up with tomorrow."

ALEX TAGLIANI - #11 Rock Holden Commodore

"My first practice session (Practice 2) ran really well, I was really pleased with the Rock car," said Tagliani.

"I ran with old rubber and tried to do the best we could with what we had.

"In the second practice a lot of the other drivers were able to benefit from new rubber, we didn't put new rubber on our car, new rubber is worth a fair bit here, so we fell a little bit behind. I still did a 14.3 on old rubber so we need to feel pretty good about the day.

"If we can find a little bit more speed on new tyres we'll be in good shape. We tried a new set in the final session with Bargs in the last session but we didn't quite get the gain that we were hoping for so we have some work to do but I'm confident we'll get it right for tomorrow."

TONY RICCIARDELLO - #16 Stratco Holden Commodore

"It's my first time here in any sort of category, out of everyone here in our team I've probably done the least amount of miles around here," said Ricciardello.

"It's all about learning and finding out where the walls are so we can just creep up on it and not make any mistakes. We refined the car a little bit today.

"It's another day that we've ticked off and the boys are working hard this afternoon and throughout the night and hopefully we'll have a strong run in qualifying."

DALE WOOD - #16 Stratco Holden Commodore

"It is a busy little track, it comes around really quick - you don't really get a rest. It's go, go, go all the time," said Wood.

"I'm gradually improving out there in the Stratco car, just gaining confidence. Around here that is quite a big issue, but we're getting there.

"It is my first time here, so it's been a bit of an eye opener. The car has been really reliable and solid all day so I think we'll be up for a good weekend."

-source: kelly racing