Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, Bathurst 1000 - Round 11

October 7, 2016


Track: Mt Panorama, Bathurst  
Race:  Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
Date:  7th October 2016

No. 12 Shell V-Power Ford - Fabian Coulthard / Luke Youlden
Practice 4      P    2    Fastest Lap 2:05.98 - LY
Practice 5      P    7    Fastest Lap 2:05.73 - FC    
Qualifying       P   5    Fastest Lap 2:05.22 - FC
    
No. 17 Shell V-Power Ford - Scott Pye / Tony D'Alberto
Practice 4     P  6     Fastest Lap 2:06.18 - TD
Practice 5    P 14     Fastest Lap 2:06.11 - SP    
Qualifying    P   8     Fastest Lap 2:05.46 - SP    

Qualifying Recap: Fabian Coulthard and Scott Pye have qualified strongly in the Shell V-Power Fords with both cars firmly in the Top 10 at Bathurst. They will face the one lap Shootout tomorrow to determine the final grid for Sunday's 161 lap race.

The fast lap times continued today with notable performances by co-drivers Luke Youlden and Tony D'Alberto who both featured in the time sheets for theirsixty minute practice session.
Coulthard and Pye had to battle a series of Red Flags during the official qualifying session.

Eventually both drivers set their times in the dying minutes of the session to ensure their spot in the Top 10 Shootout.

Fabian Coulthard Quote: "It was pretty tough as I missed getting that first 'banker' lap in with all the red flags. The end result was good and we have got the Shell V-Power Ford into the Shootout."

"After the Shootout tomorrow we can really focus on the race pace. It is going to be fast but I think our car will be a bit more comfortable to drive and maintain a good pace."

Scott Pye Quote"It was a nerve racking session for sure. We only got the one banker at the start which was not quick enough and then we copped the red flags. So it came down to one lap at the end. It is an amazing place when you only have one shot at it. It gets the adrenalin running and is very enjoyable."

"To put the Shell V-Power Ford into the Top 10 for the shootout is really good. It was definitely a goal of mine to achieve this weekend. The boys have done a great job giving me a really good car."

Co-Drivers Quotes:

Luke Youlden Quote: "My session went well today and my times in the 2.05's showed how fast the field is running. We did thirteen laps in a row all within a few tenths, so I feel our racecar looks pretty strong. Fabian did a great job and it is very satisfying to get the Shell V-Power Ford in the Top 10."

Tony D'Alberto Quote "We turned up the wick a little bit today and to get in the Top 10 Shootout is just phenomenal. Scott did a brilliant job in that last run and put it all together for a great lap."

"My session also went well and the time I set this morning is the fastest I have ever been around Bathurst."