It proved a solid start for the Repco Supercars Championship teams situated in the Sunshine State as the Queensland teams hit the track.
There were minimal stoppages as the teams completed a significant amount of running without reliability problems providing a strong tick for the Gen3 formula entering its second season. Aerodynamic changes were also first sampled since the wind tunnel testing at Windshear in the US was completed prior to Christmas, which will ensure improved parity for the 2024 season.
Red Bull Ampol Racing was the only squad to be in its new 2024 livery following its season launch at the Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba on Saturday where it also revealed Jamie Whincup will continue as a co-driver for the endurance events. Scott Pye was announced late last year as co-driver to Will Brown and had his first run with the team yesterday.
Still in stealth black liveries, Matt Stone Racing and PremiAir Nulon Racing completed the test day with vastly new team set-ups.
For MSR, Nick Percat undertook his first full test day after completing 10 laps at teammate Cameron Hill’s rookie run last week. The former Walkinshaw Andretti United driver will enjoy support from Bendix, while Hill will start the season in Tyrepower colours for the first two events at Bathurst and Albert Park.
New Zealander Chris van de Drift and Super2 driver Cameron Crick also attended the test, with the latter expected to drive Wildcard events for MSR during the season.
PremiAir Nulon Racing welcomed the addition of Ludo Lacroix to the team during the off-season from Shell V-Power Racing Team and he has already had an impact. Tim Slade and James Golding handled the driving duties.
Tony D’Alberto joined regular drivers Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale at Shell V-Power Racing Team in its two Mustangs. The squad also announced its new endurance pairings as it retains D’Alberto to partner De Pasquale, while impressive Super2 series winner Kai Allen will join Davison.
Victorian squads will undertake testing at Winton Motor Raceway on February 7.