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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Ford V8s Ready for Far East Debut

Staff, Friday June 3, 2005.

Page 1 of 1

The arrival of the V8 Supercars follows Formula One and Motor GP in the past nine months as China embraces world class motor racing championships.

Logistics for the event are mind-blowing. Two Boeing 747 400 freighters will carry 32 V8 Supercars (total value $12,800,000), 32 spare engines ($3,200,000) plus spare gearboxes bumpers, panels and pit equipment ($9,000,000).

The airfreight bill alone, including specially constructed racks and containers is in excess of $1,000,000.

To get the show on the road in China will be 420 full time staff members including drivers, crew, management, television, media and Australian-based officials.

It?s estimated a further 5,000 people, including sponsors, guests and fans, will travel from Australia for the inaugural event. Ford will host over 100 guests from Australia alone.

The race offers many significant firsts, but it?s the opportunity to win the first round in China that every team and driver will focus on.

Coming off his first win of the season and first victory in two years, Craig Lowndes (Team LG) comes to China with plenty of confidence.

Normally Team Betta Electrical, a deal has been done with major sponsor LG to take the title sponsor role in China. That?s not the only thing sure to gain attention in China. The team is run by Triple Eight Race Engineering.

According to the age old Asian culture the number 8 is deemed the luckiest, most prosperous and most sought after number, 888 represents the zenith of this auspicious tradition.

?I can?t wait to see the response we get from the Chinese when we roll out the car with 888 on it,? said Lowndes

?I really hope we can uphold their traditions as the number 8 is almost sacred in Asia.

?It is always interesting when you go to a circuit that no one in the field has been to before as it comes down to driver input instead of past results.

?We are all going to be on an even playing field and I am looking forward to the challenge of working with my engineer Campbell on a circuit that no one has ever seen or driven on before.

?Temperatures will also play an important role the atmospheric pressure will be very different and the ambient temperature in general will be very hot and humid.

A driver that?s enjoyed a great start to the year has been Russell Ingall (Caltex Racing). Sitting second in the championship, Ingall believes victory in China would go a long way to getting his first championship title.

?The race in China is important for so many reasons, but for me a win would mean a crack at getting closer to that title,? said Ingall.

?I?ve been really pleased with the start to the season. I?ve never been this high up so early. I?m keen to get a winner?s trophy to give ourselves the best shot.

?Being the inaugural winner does have a nice ring to it. I?d like it to match a title as well.

?The whole event will be very exciting. A total culture shock I?m sure for us and the people of China. It really will be a contrast to anything they?ve ever seen. I?m sure they?ll be impressed with what we?ll put on.?

Drivers will arrive in China from early in the week. Numerous media and sponsor opportunities will occupy their time before hitting the track for a two-hour practice session on Friday.

Saturday?s action includes qualifying, top-10 shootout and the opening 22-lap race. Sunday completes the programme with twin 32-lap races.

MEDIA NOTE

• All Ford drivers will take part in some good old fashioned Australian Rules football kick-to-kick at 9.30am on Friday 10 June in the pit-paddock area of the circuit. All drivers will wear Geelong Football Club gurnseys with their car numbers on their backs. Images from this event will be available upon request and through www.autonews.net.au and media.ford.com

Championship Standings after 4 of 13 rounds

1. Marcos Ambrose ? Pirtek Racing ? Ford Falcon BA 708pts
2. Russell Ingall ? Caltex Racing ? Ford Falcon BA ?35pts
3. Steven Richards ? Castrol Perkins Motorsport ? Holden Commodore ?123pts
4. Craig Lowndes ? Team Betta Electrical ? Ford Falcon BA ?154pts
5. Mark Skaife ? Holden Racing Team ? Holden Commodore ?162pts
6. Greg Murphy ? Super Cheap Auto Racing ? Holden Commodore ?202pts
7. Todd Kelly ? Holden Racing Team ? Holden Commodore ?216pts
8. Steven Johnson ? Westpoint Racing ? Ford Falcon BA ?223pts
9. John Bowe ? Team BOC ? Ford Falcon BA ?239pts
10. Paul Weel ? Super Cheap Auto Racing ? Holden Commodore ?266pts

Details for Shanghai: Top 10 Shootout - Saturday 11 June - 11.45am
Race 1 (22 laps ? 118.8km) ? Saturday 11 June ? 3.20pm
Race 2 (32 laps ? 172.8km) ? Sunday 12 June ? 10.20am
Race 3 (32 laps ? 172.8km) ? Sunday 12 June ? 1.30pm

Circuit: Shanghai International Circuit
Length: 5.4km

Ford?s official V8 Line-up for China

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

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