It’s been just another Monday at Red Bull Racing Australia as Shane Van Gisbergen took to Queensland Raceway to shakedown chassis 042.
With Clipsal just around the corner, SVG got behind the wheel of his brand new drive for the very first time.
“It’s a fair bit different from what I have been use to, also a lot different to what I have been driving the last few weeks. It was the perfect opportunity to settle in, it was great to have a run and shake the car down with no problems,” said Van Gisbergen.
Restrictions placed on shakedowns means that cars can only complete a maximum of 60km, and clock a total of 20 laps around QR. Even so, it was nothing but smooth sailing for the team, with not a vibration, rattle or hum in sight.
“Ergonomics was the main thing we worked on today, as it is SVG’s first time in a Triple Eight-engineered car. It’s good to work these things out before the test day, so we don’t waste any time then. Other than that, it was a good day,” said Team Manager Mark Dutton.
Jamie Whincup also attended today’s shakedown, stepping in for injured Triple Eight teammate Craig Lowndes. Whincup took new chassis 041 for a spin, his first time back in a V8 Supercar since his spectacular showing at Summernats.
Both Whincup and SVG will head back to QR later this week for the first official test day of the year.
“Everyone has performed well today. We have quite a few new people, so the test day will be a great chance for them to cut their teeth a bit,” said Dutton.
The test day is held at Queensland Raceway this Thursday February 18.
