Engineer Preview: Sydney NRMA Motoring & Services 500
Four contenders remain – and while it is a long shot for Will Davison, he and his Pepsi Max FPR teammates would love a Championship win, especially prior to his pending departure from the team. He and engineer Grant McPherson have worked together for three years and have seen “both the highs and lows motorsport can bring”, according to McPherson.
“Will has proven that when we give him a decent car he can get the job done, both in qualifying and races,” the #6 race engineer said.
One of the ‘big four’ in battle this weekend, McPherson previewed the Sydney NRMA Motoring & Services 500 for v8supercars.com.au.
V8supercars.com.au: What are the main characteristics of the circuit?
McPherson: “Kerb ride and bump control are essential at Homebush, as this is the ultimate street circuit.
“Being dominated by 90 degree corners, and significant crowning and undulations in the road, this track requires commitment and aggression to generate lap times.”
How will the weekend’s format affect setup and strategy?
“The race lengths are unchanged from previous years, but the larger fuel cell and two compulsory pit stops mean that strategy options are very open this weekend.
“Strategy decisions will need to balance track position gains, fuel-in-hand gains and finding clear track.”
What is the tyre allocation and what sort of degradation are you expecting? How will this impact setup and strategy?
“We have six sets of hard compound tyres available for qualifying and racing this weekend.
“Tyre degradation will be evident, but lap time loss throughout a stint should be minimal because fuel burn has a large effect at a very stop-start circuit like this."
What aspects of the circuit are you expecting to suit your car and what do you have to be mindful of?
“Kerb riding and general balance are critical for maximising mid-corner speed, while bump control and traction are very important for maximising longitudinal performance.”
What are you expecting to be the most important thing to do well this weekend?
“Homebush has traditionally been a circuit that is difficult to pass at, so qualifying performances are critical if you want to win here.
“The new braking package for 2013 should improve passing ability, and strategy will be very important for passing cars in pit lane.”
You are still in for a shot at the Championship, but are the long shot. What is it going to take to win the title?
“Even if we put in a perfect performance, our points total can still be covered by Jamie finishing 22nd twice, Craig 18th twice or Frosty sixth twice. So we are heavily reliant on our opponents having some serious disappointments to try to Bradbury this title!”
The Sydney NRMA Motoring & Services 500 kicks off on Friday, with practice; qualifying and racing follow on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are still available through Ticketek.
