Always known for its changing weather conditions, Phillip Island was doused with some early showers on the Saturday morning of the L & H 500, but the precipitation cleared just in time for practice, qualifying and two sprint races featuring Tony D'Alberto and Andrew Thompson in the Team Bottle-O Commodore.
With both drivers suiting up for a practice and qualifying session each, Tony got behind the wheel first and struggled for grip and endured some oversteer, eventually putting in a lap time good enough for 24th position.
Recognising the need for some adjustments to the car, some roll-bar tweaks were made before Andrew jumped in the car, instantly improving the Green Machine's handling and performance around the sweeping circuit, allowing for a time of 1.34.0372 to put the Bottle-O Commodore in 11th position for Thommo's sprint race later in the day.
With a focus on getting through the two shorter races and ensuring a good grid position for Sunday's 500km event, both drivers set about putting on a good show in the #55 Commodore.
"Our aim is to stay out of trouble and bring home some good points in order to get a good starting place for the 500km race tomorrow," said Tony, adding "That's what we're here for. It's about getting a good result for the team in the second longest race of the season. We're looking forward to it."
The results achieved in each of the 14-lap qualifying races resulted in points that were tallied between the teams drivers, which then determines the starting position for Sunday's 500km race. One compulsary stop had to be taken in either of the 14-lap races.
TD was in the car for the first race and getting boxed out at the start, the team tactics took a priority and the call was made to make the compulsory pit stop, leaving Tony to come home in 26th position, however with the pit stop out of the way, it allowed Andrew to push for a top result in the second race.
With a good start off the line, Thommo gained several positions when other drivers had to make their compulsary pitstop, ending the race in 7th place, a result that positioned The Bottle-O Commodore in 16th to start Sunday's big race.
"The car was good in both of the races. I struggled with oversteer early, and wasnt able to qualify well but the changes we made during the day resulted in huge improvements. We won't be making many changes to the car overnight, and we still have some good tyres up our sleeve for the big race. The weather is the main factor as anything could happen if it rains!"
Sunday's race begins at 1.35pm with 500km awaiting TD and Thommo.
Last Modified on 16/09/2009 17:31