Triple Eight satisfied with ‘faultless’ test
Triple Eight team manager Mark Dutton reckons yesterday’s all-important test day was ‘faultless’ for his team, with the team’s three cars covering 355 laps of Queensland Raceway between them.
Jamie Whincup, Triple Eight Race Engineering Holden
Daniel Kalisz / Motorsport Images
The three T8 Holden shared Queensland Raceway with Tekno driver Will Davison and the two DJR Team Penske Fords.
As Triple Eight looks to build on its Winton success and peg back the form Penske squad, particularly in qualifying, Dutton had already earmarked Tuesday’s test as critical leading into it.
Having banked 355 laps throughout the day, Dutton now says it was a faultless and productive day of running.
“We had a lot on the list to achieve out at the test day,” said Dutton.
“It was actually a faultless test day for all three cars. It’s easy to say we were faultless, but it is even harder to actually achieve it.
“Especially when there is so much going on and there are so many changes happening, there’s always room for little things to go wrong, but nothing did. Full credit to the guys and girls here on the team.”
Whincup agreed that the test was productive, but added that it won’t be until the next round in Darwin until it becomes clear whether the team has made genuine progress.
“A really productive day, we got a heap done,” said Whincup.
“The big question is – will we be faster? Not sure really at this stage, but we need to go away, look at all the data, and make some calls.
“I thought we made some great gains today, certainly a performance we can take into Darwin.”
Crucial laps for Campbell
The test also gave Porsche Supercup driver Matt Campbell the opportunity to make a flying visit from Europe to sample Shane van Gisbergen’s Commodore, ahead of joining the Kiwi for the long-distance races later in the season.
It was the Queenslander’s first go in the Triple Eight car.
“I feel like it was a really positive day,” said Campbell.
“Obviously, I was just getting comfortable with the car and up to speed with it all. The car was really good; it was different to what I thought it was going to be – in a good way. The car is comfortable to drive and really responsive.
“I am feeling confident ahead of the season, but I will be back for the pre-enduro season test in a few months.”
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