Safety car turmoil and mechanical problems contributed to a tough day at the office for Jim Beam Racing’s Steven Johnson and James Moffat in race 2 of the V8 Supercars Championship in Abu Dhabi.
A flawless qualifying performance saw Johnson line up 4th on the grid while rookie Moffat improved on Friday’s results to start the race from P22.
An action packed opening lap saw the safety car make its first appearance when Tony D'Alberto triggered a skirmish that took Tim Slade and Garth Tander out of the race.
While several leaders took an opportunity for a quick fuel top-up, Johnson’s crew opted to leave him out in an effort to gain track position. However a slow-moving Safety Car allowed the leaders to rejoin with very little position lost.
Confusion reigned amongst drivers and teams as cars fought for position with Johnson instructed by race control to allow Whincup in front of him in position 2.
An aggressive Johnson took advantage of a good restart on lap 7 to pass both Whincup and Winterbottom and assume the race lead.
A stop down on the lead pack, Johnson pitted on lap 14 and on return, moved through the field to settle in fifth position.
Fuel consumption issues got the better of Johnson who took a late stop, ending the race in 18th position.
“We took the gamble and didn't pit under the safety car first up,” he said.
“But there was a lot of confusion out there and no-one expected the safety car to run so slowly.”
Johnson said that while he was disappointed with the final placing there were a lot of positives to be taken out of the weekend.
“We showed that we are getting it together,” he said.
“Qualifying was excellent and in the race we were up there challenging for the lead.”
“We were definitely in the hunt for a podium and our lap times were consistently quick.”
“Unfortunately the team had to make the call to come in for fuel near end of the race.”
“But as far as the car was concerned, we are looking good.”
Plagued by mechanical issues over the weekend, rookie James Moffat was forced into the garage on lap 26 and did not return to the race.
Starting P22 on the grid in only the second race of his Championship series career, Moffat again managed to avoid trouble in the early stages of the race and was looking comfortable in the FG Falcon.
Moffat and crew appeared to be finding a good rhythm with clean pit-stops and good communication when mid race the car lost traction and stopped. The differential was found to be the culprit and Moffat was unable to return to the track.
“It’s my first weekend and yes ... it's disappointing,” said Moffat.
“But mechanical issues will happen when you get contact and you just have to put it behind you."
Moffat said that despite the result he was pleased with how the team is gelling.
“It was a great job from the team,” he said.
“We are working well together which is great so early on.”
“It’s good to have the first event under my belt and I’m really looking forward to Clipsal.”
A flawless qualifying performance saw Johnson line up 4th on the grid while rookie Moffat improved on Friday’s results to start the race from P22.
An action packed opening lap saw the safety car make its first appearance when Tony D'Alberto triggered a skirmish that took Tim Slade and Garth Tander out of the race.
While several leaders took an opportunity for a quick fuel top-up, Johnson’s crew opted to leave him out in an effort to gain track position. However a slow-moving Safety Car allowed the leaders to rejoin with very little position lost.
Confusion reigned amongst drivers and teams as cars fought for position with Johnson instructed by race control to allow Whincup in front of him in position 2.
An aggressive Johnson took advantage of a good restart on lap 7 to pass both Whincup and Winterbottom and assume the race lead.
A stop down on the lead pack, Johnson pitted on lap 14 and on return, moved through the field to settle in fifth position.
Fuel consumption issues got the better of Johnson who took a late stop, ending the race in 18th position.
“We took the gamble and didn't pit under the safety car first up,” he said.
“But there was a lot of confusion out there and no-one expected the safety car to run so slowly.”
Johnson said that while he was disappointed with the final placing there were a lot of positives to be taken out of the weekend.
“We showed that we are getting it together,” he said.
“Qualifying was excellent and in the race we were up there challenging for the lead.”
“We were definitely in the hunt for a podium and our lap times were consistently quick.”
“Unfortunately the team had to make the call to come in for fuel near end of the race.”
“But as far as the car was concerned, we are looking good.”
Plagued by mechanical issues over the weekend, rookie James Moffat was forced into the garage on lap 26 and did not return to the race.
Starting P22 on the grid in only the second race of his Championship series career, Moffat again managed to avoid trouble in the early stages of the race and was looking comfortable in the FG Falcon.
Moffat and crew appeared to be finding a good rhythm with clean pit-stops and good communication when mid race the car lost traction and stopped. The differential was found to be the culprit and Moffat was unable to return to the track.
“It’s my first weekend and yes ... it's disappointing,” said Moffat.
“But mechanical issues will happen when you get contact and you just have to put it behind you."
Moffat said that despite the result he was pleased with how the team is gelling.
“It was a great job from the team,” he said.
“We are working well together which is great so early on.”
“It’s good to have the first event under my belt and I’m really looking forward to Clipsal.”