Driving a V8 Supercar is like riding a bull according to Lockwood Racing international co-driver Nicolas Minassian, who got his first taste of the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit today.
Minassian, who normally competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship, will co-drive the weekend’s two 300km races with Fabian Coulthard, who has been impressed by the Frenchman’s quick learning of the difficult car and track.
The pair finished 16th overall in today’s four practice sessions and Coulthard believes the team has a good chance in tomorrow’s qualifying at 09:35, before the first race at 13:40.
Nicolas Minassian
Lockwood Racing Co-Driver
“Driving a V8 Supercar is really different; it takes me to another level where I haven’t been before. It’s really tough, like riding a bull. You really have to give it some.
“It’s the first time that I have raced at this Gold Coast track. It’s very tight and if you make a mistake you will go into the wall.
“To be super competitive, you have to explore every inch of the circuit. To really feel the power of the car you need confidence. I’m starting to build confidence in each session.”
Fabian Coulthard
Lockwood Racing
“I thought Nicolas did a great job today. We have the car set-up sorted and we are ready for the morning’s qualifying session.
“We have a fast car and I need to get on the pace early to get us a very strong starting position for the first endurance race.”
2012 Armor All Gold Coast 600 – SURFERS PARADISE STREET CIRCUIT
V8 SUPERCARS Overall Practice
01 M. Caruso/J. Hinchcliffe, Fujitsu Racing GRM, 1:11.6912
02 5 M. Winterbottom/W. Power, Orrcon Steel FPR Ford, + 0:00.0979
03 D. Reynolds/N. Heidfeld, The Bottle-O Racing Team, + 0:00.2468
04 W. Davison/M. Salo, Trading Post FPR Ford, + 0:00.3727
05 T. D’Alberto/T. Liuzzi, Team Hiflex, + 0:00.3841
06 J. Whincup/S. Bourdais, TeamVodafone, + 0:00.4074
07 T. Slade/D. Brabham, Lucky 7 Racing, + 0:00.4674
08 J. Moffat/P. Kox, Team Norton DJR , + 0:00.4972
9 J. Courtney/D. Turner, Holden Racing Team, + 0:00.5922
10 C. Lowndes/R. Lyons, TeamVodafone, + 0:00.6273
17 F. Coulthard/N. Minassian, Lockwood Racing, + 0:00.8018
