Full Throttle

Australia’s leading V8 Supercars drivers yesterday gave the Bahrain International Circuit their tick of approval but warned fans to expect the unexpected in the weekend races.

The drivers struggled to control their cars in Thursday’s practice sessions but said the track, designed to accommodate Formula One cars, would provide a multitude of scenarios in the three races ahead.

The drivers said Thursday’s practice was slippery and almost to a man the drivers were surprised at the lack of grip for their tyres.

“There are three genuine passing spots and with tyre degradation set to be a factor I think we are in for a long day,” Ford driver Mark Winterbottom said.

“When the tyres go away it requires 100 per cent effort stop the cars from spinning.”

“I think we’ll see some pretty good racing because anyone who can drive 37 laps here without making a mistake will win the race by a long way. “Make a mistake and someone will pass you. But you can also expect to get those spots back when they make their mistake.”

Winterbottom was third in practice behind two of the sports more experienced campaigners — Jason Bright and Garth Tander.

“The circuit is enjoyable to drive but much more slippery than it looks,” Bright said. “I was most surprised. The car was pretty nervous.”

Tander has experience of the circuit in a sports car race at this year’s grand prix but after yesterday’s session said the only advantage he could claim over the other drivers was that he knew where the toilets were.

Cross posted @ Asian Motorsports (AMS). The qualifying report is also available at AMS.