Team Australia drivers arrive on Gold Coast
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Craig Gore and his two Team Australia drivers |
Gore and assembled media gave a warm welcome to the Team Australia pair at Conrad Jupiters Casino this morning. For Power this event represents unfinished business after grabbing his debut Champ Car pole at last year’s event only to be taken out by Sebastien Bourdais mid-race.
Power has been training in his hometown of Toowoomba in Queensland for the past week but has now hit the Gold Coast ahead of a hectic week of pre-race preparations and commitments.
Pagenaud touched down from the United States this morning and is making his first visit to Australia.
The Gold Coast turned on a sunny and warm day for the Frenchman today and last year's Champ Car Atlantic Champion is excited about the opportunity to see the Gold Coast before concentrating on scoring his first Champ Car podium at his team’s home event.
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY …
Will Power – #5 Aussie Vineyards Team Australia DP01
“I’m really excited to be back on the Gold Coast," said Power.
“I’ve obviously been back here a few times since last year’s race, but driving down here from Toowoomba this morning made me realize that this time I am here for this race and it’s a very big deal for everyone in Team Australia.
“I feel really good after a week of training back home and I’m pumped for next week. The excitement of the lead-up is a big part of this event and all the drivers really enjoy it.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how Simon reacts to the build-up to the event. It’s his first time here in Australia and I’ve been talking about this race all year so he’s been really keen to get down here to see what I’ve been telling him about.
“Everything is shaping up well for our team. We were the fastest car at the last test of the season a couple of weeks ago and now it’s time to get to work. I can’t wait."
Simon Pagenaud – #15 Aussie Vineyards Team Australia DP01
“I only touched down in Brisbane this morning and I am already loving this place," said Pagenaud.
“It’s great, warm weather and the beaches are out of this world. I’ve been looking forward to coming down to this event all season and Will, Craig and everyone in Team Australia has been telling me how great it is.
“Our team is very focused for this event and I think we are capable of doing a great job. I’ve already watched a lot of vision of the track and I will have a good walk around it over the weekend to get a feel for it.
“It would be a fantastic feeling to achieve my first Champ Car podium here on the Gold Coast for Team Australia."
Craig Gore – Team Australia Co-Owner
“The build-up to this year’s race has already begun and now that Will and Simon have arrived you start to realize just how close the race is," said Gore.
“Will is pumped and you only have to ask him how excited he is to realize he’s putting everything into this event. He has been training hard in Toowoomba and he’s super-fit. He doesn’t want to leave anything to chance.
“It’s Simon’s first time in Australia and it’s great to finally get him down here. I can’t wait to see the look on his face come Sunday when the entire circuit is a mass of waving green and gold Team Australia flags.
“This is a unique event and Team Australia is focused on getting the job done next weekend in the Lexmark Indy 300."