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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Ford Out To Wrap-Up Manufacturer's Title At Tassie V8s

Staff, Friday November 4, 2005.

Page 1 of 1

Despite Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) winning the Driver's title and Stone Brothers Racing scoring the Team's cup over the past two years, Ford didn't win the 2004 Manufacturer's Championship. Along with major motoring awards, the V8 Supercar Manufacturer's Championship trophy is considered an important piece of silverware in the Broadmeadows Head Office trophy cabinet.

Ford has scored six round wins so far in 2005; four to Craig Lowndes (Team Betta Electrical) and one each to Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) and Russell Ingall (Caltex Racing). The Manufacturer's Championship is decided on most round wins and, with just two events remaining, Ford has to win at either Tasmania or Phillip Island to take the title.

Ford goes into the Tasmanian round holding the top three positions in the championship with Ingall leading Ambrose and Lowndes.

Ingall won the round at Symmons Plains last year, but he'll come under plenty of pressure from Ambrose and Lowndes. Ambrose will be racing at his home track for the final time before heading to the USA to drive in NASCAR racing, while Lowndes has to be considered the hottest driver in V8s right now after his victory on the Gold Coast and outstanding pace at Bathurst.

"It's a great situation for Ford, having the fight amongst the three of us," said Ingall.

"I know that I'll have to be on my game to get ahead of both Marcos and Craig, but we're up for the challenge.

"It's important that we don't give away anything to the opposition. That includes championship points or race wins. The best way to decide the championship is by having all three of us at the front.

"I'll be more than happy for Ford to win the Manufacturer's Championship in Tassie; I'd like it even more if it's the Caltex car that makes it happen.

"Although we took the lead in the driver's title at Bathurst, we didn't have the best run at Mount Panorama or the Gold Coast. Our team is determined to again show that it's a force at Tasmania."

Winning is the only option for Ambrose.

"Just two races ago we appeared to have a pretty handy lead in the championship and now we're the underdog," said Ambrose.

"We have to get that winning formula back in the Pirtek Racing camp in Tasmania.

"The team has worked hard and we even got in a final test session at Queensland Raceway last week. That shows that we are serious as a team to get back in the winner's circle.

"I want to win in Tasmania for many reasons. Last year we had victory taken away with an engine drama; it's my last chance to win a round in Tasmania before heading to the US; I want to get back in the title hunt; and finally I want Ford to have the Manufacturer's title. Ford has been awesome to me and they deserve to win back the title of leading Manufacturer in V8 Supercars."

Lowndes has shot into title contention in the second half of the season. The Team Betta Electrical driver will fight all the way at Symmons Plains as he guns for his fifth win of the year.

"Our goal is to do our best and try our hardest to win the race and let the championship take care of itself," said Lowndes.

"We have all worked really hard all year and to be third in the championship is an awesome effort! However, we will stick to our plan of winning races and see if we can better our standing in the championship.

"Tasmania will be a great race, as it will bring out the best in all the drivers in the run for the championship. I'm sure then it will be even tighter at the end of the weekend.

"For the Ford fans, it's awesome. It's been a long time since they've had the opportunity to cheer-on three drivers at the head of the championship. I can guarantee a tough but fair fight."

Ford drivers will be in Hobart on Thursday (10 November) morning for the Ford V8 Superbreakfast to be held at Bellerive Oval. Tickets are priced at $85 (plus booking fee) and can be booked though Ticketmaster 7 at www.ticketmaster.com.au or by calling 13 61 00.

Drivers then have a two hour practice session on Friday, with Saturday's action including qualifying, top-10 shootout and the opening 42-lap race. Sunday's concludes the weekend with another two 42-lap races. Each race includes a compulsory tyre stop.

Ford?s official V8 Line-up for Symmons Plains

Championship ? Top-10 after 11 of 13 rounds

For Further information contact:
Ben Beazley
Media Coordinator
Ford Racing Australia
Phone: 03 9359 8190
Mobile: 0417 262 753
Email: bbeazle3@ford.com

Further information and high-resolution images relating to Ford Racing Australia can also be found at : media.ford.com

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