Team Vodafone drivers Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup are looking to perform strongly this weekend as Tasmania's Symmons Plains circuit plays host to the second-last round of the 2007 V8 Supercar Championship Series.
Lowndes, second in the championship after the Desert 400, is hoping to build upon several solid rounds to bolster his title attack. He trails series leader Garth Tander by a slender twenty-points, and is hoping to regain the luck that certainly
deserted him in the Bahrain desert two weekends ago.
“Without a doubt this is a critical round for us,” said Lowndes.
“This is a circuit where you need good power down and braking to cement a result.
“We have shown this year that we have the pace now we just need a little bit of luck to go our way.”
Teammate Jamie Whincup failed to earn points in Bahrain, which saw him drop from first to third in the series standings. As the championship enters the business end of the year, the young gun is hoping to resurrect his title aspirations.
Qualifying well is imperative for a good finish at Symmons Plains given the short lap time of the circuit. However after disappointing qualifying efforts in recent rounds, both drivers will be looking to ensure they put down some solid laps on Saturday.
“Last year Symmons Plains was one of three circuits (Indy, Sandown) where we struggled for pace, this year we have been strong at two of the three so I am confident we will have a better run than last year,” said Whincup.
“The championship is a long way from gone and everybody is starting to make mistakes. None of the championship contenders have had the perfect report card over the past couple of rounds.”
The two Vodafone Falcon drivers will hit the track on Friday for an extended practice session.
