Casey Stoner drives V8 Supercar
Reigning double MotoGP champion Casey Stoner has taken to the track on four-wheels, after getting the chance to drive Craig Lowndes' TeamVodafone V8 Supercar.
Stoner had expressed his desire to drive the car after attending the recent Sydney 500 as a guest of Vodafone.
Guided by five-time Bathurst winner Lowndes and his recently crowned V8 Supercar champion team-mate Jamie Whincup, Stoner completed no less than 90 laps around the challenging Driving Centre at Norwell, Queensland.
"[It's] something I have wanted to do since I was quite young actually and the opportunity to finally get in one and have a go is something pretty special to me," said the Repsol Honda rider.
"With everything I am learning today, I have to forget everything I know about bikes and change to learn to drive these, and it is the same thing going from cars to bikes.
"I am surprised at how well they absorb the kerbs, they are still going to be a stiff race machine but they do absorb the bumps pretty well and of course the power is still there.
"We have to deal with a fair bit of power myself. The hardest thing I have had to do is change whatever I know about braking and changing through gears. I am having to rethink it again.
"I didn't expect to be in Craig's actual race car. To be behind the wheel of something that won a race a few weeks ago is very special and I appreciate it."
Whincup wouldn't be surprised to see Stoner racing in V8s after hanging up his leathers.
"Casey did a great job today, Lowndsey did a few laps earlier this morning to lay a bit of data down, then he handed the car over. Hopefully this is an experience he really enjoys.
"While it was fun for him I know he wanted to do a good job and he certainly impressed everyone here.
"I think for sure Casey has something to offer V8's. I am not sure how close that is for him, hopefully he goes on and does awesome stuff for us Aussies in MotoGP and on two wheels for a bit longer.
"Life after two wheels for most of those guys is car racing and I am sure his eyes are set on V8 Supercars because it is one of the strongest categories in the world."
Lowndes gave the following verdict on Stoner's performance:
"It is fantastic to have someone of Casey's calibre in one of our cars. To see what he does on TV on two wheels and then see what he can actually do on four wheels is a real treat.
"Getting through the kerbs and across the fast section around the back took some getting used to. The technical side, low speed stuff he was right up to speed on straight away.
"He did a really good job and is the ultimate professional. It was an amazing experience to work with him.
"It has been nice to have the time to pick his brain and talk about how he copes with the pressure at the level he is at."
