 Chaz Mostert dominated the first race of the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship at Albert Park today.
The Factory Enterprises Spectrum pilot led the eight-lap race from pole, setting a new lap record in the process, to finish with a comfortable buffer.
Nick Foster had his best Australian Championship finish in second, ahead of Sonic Motor Racing Services teammate Ryan Simpson.
The first race of the series was an eventful one, which included a mid-race safety car, caused by an incident between Greg Woodrow and Martin Short in Turn Three. The interruption failed to distract Mostert, who set about re-building a gap, which he maintained to the flag.
“It’s a great way to start the season for us with a victory, so I couldn’t be happier,” Mostert said.
“The car has been really quick all weekend and I think in today’s race we proved that we can be consistent as well.
“I was a little worried when the safety car came out, but fortunately I was able to build another gap and cruise to the flag.”
While Mostert was dominant out front, Foster fought through from fifth on the grid to take second position. The Steeline Mygale pilot chased Mostert right to the flag, but ran out of laps before he could mount a serious challenge.
“The car is really good and we probably should have been a little higher in qualifying yesterday, but I think we proved that we have the speed to match Chaz,” Foster said.
“It’s a solid start for us in the championship and a good result for the team as well with Ryan finishing third, so I can’t wait for Race 2 tomorrow.”
Simpson was a safe third in the race, but lamented a set-up change over night.
“We made some small changes overnight and I don’t think the car was as good in qualifying,” Simpson said.
“Despite that, it is still a good way to start the season and we have bagged some good points towards the championship today.”
Ashley Walsh was fourth in a Spectrum ahead of Nathan Morcom, and Mygale driver Adam Graham. Geoff Uhrhane fought back to seventh after an early spin, while Andre Borell, Jack LeBrocq and Garry Jacobson rounded out the top 10.
Race 2 of the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship gets underway at Albert Park at 12:15 (AEDST) tomorrow.
2010 FORMULA 1 QANTAS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX - RACE 1
1. Chaz Mostert, Spectrum 012, 19:17.2195
2. Nick Foster, Mygale SJ10a, 19:18.4164
3. Ryan Simpson, Mygale SJ10a, 19:19.7953
4. Ashley Walsh, Spectrum 012, 19:24.0053
5. Nathan Morcom, Spectrum 012, 19:24.8099
6. Adam Graham, Mygale SJ10a, 19:24.9589
7. Geoff Uhrhane, Mygale SJ10a, 19:25.0517
8. Andre Borell, Mygale SJ10a, 19:25.9410
9. Jack LeBrocq, Spectrum 011c, 19:29.1332
10. Garry Jacobson, Spectrum 011b, 19:31.1158
|
