PHILLIP ISLAND 500 - Strategy Key at Phillip Island

Jason Bright believes the Phillip Island 500's new race format will open up strategy for teams with two, 250km races to take place across the weekend. The addition of 130 kilometres to Saturday's race and 50 kilometres to Sunday's race over last year's format means tyre degradation will play a large part in each of the hit-outs with some teams expected to take strategy gambles at the ocean-side circuit. Bright, who has previously claimed a pole position at the track says he is looking forward to the extended challenge while emphasising the difference that the additional distance will make for drivers.

Chaz Mostert will once again focus on consistency while chasing the top step of the podium with the Supercheap Auto Racing driver to hold nothing back at the Victorian-based event.

Cameron Waters will look to continue his current run of form in Phillip Island where he is confident a top-10 result is achievable.

While the category will run on the new 'hard' tyre at Phillip Island, Mark Winterbottom believes the fast-flowing nature of the circuit will suit the PRA setup, similar to what we saw in Tasmania.

 

Drivers' View 

Mark Winterbottom - #5
"Phillip Island is a good event. We've had some good battles there in the past and a few good results. If we can get our setup right I think we can be pretty quick but it will be really important for us to get on top of that early. Degradation will play a big part in both races as well so a focus for us will be nailing a setup that looks after our tyres but also gives us the speed that we need."

Cameron Waters - #6
"It's been a pretty full on start to the year so far. Every round I go to I'm learning a little bit more about the car and working really well with Brad so I've got some really good momentum going. For me it's about building on that, making the car a little bit better and honing in on that driving stuff that I've been working on. I love Phillip Island. I've had a few good results there in the past which is nice. It'll be cool to go there and build on what we've learnt so far this year."

Chaz Mostert - #55
"I'm looking forward to giving this event a red hot crack. They're two long races but I think that could be good for us. Adam and the guys gave us an awesome strategy in Tasmania so if we can pull something out of the hat again and have speed similar to what we did I think we can keep improving. I've got a few things to focus on myself this weekend to stay consistent but it should be a good weekend."

Tim Edwards
Team Principal
"At Phillip Island we'll be looking to keep building on what we've learnt so far this year and improving across the board. We saw glimpses of good performances in Tasmania so if we can focus on the positives and weed out the negatives we should be in a good position. We're there or there abouts but I'm confident we can make further ground this weekend."

 

EVENT NAME: Phillip Island 500
DATE: 21 - 23 April, 2017
LOCATION: Phillip Island, Victoria
EVENT NUMBER: 3 of 14
FORMAT: Friday – 2 x 40-minute practice;
                       Saturday – 1 x 20-min qualifying, 1 x 57-lap race;
                       Sunday – 1 x 20-min qualifying, 1 x 57-lap race

CIRCUIT: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
LENGTH: 4.44-kilometres
DESCRIPTION: Phillip Island is the venue of PRA’s first round victory in 2003. The track combines fast straights with double-apex, radial and hairpin turns, providing a challenging combination. The circuit is also one of the most picturesque on the calendar and offers a range of elevation changes across the lap. ‘The Island’ also offers excellent vantage points for spectators.
TRACK RECORD: 1m32.024s – Jamie Whincup (2013)
PRA BEST RESULT: 1st – Mark Winterbottom (2006 & 2012), Will Davison (2012)