Yes fuel makes a huge difference in this car, that's why Jono's 53 flat on full tank it really impressive. Early in the week I did a 53.1 on half a tank, and knew I could do a 52, as it wasn't a perfect lap. So although Seths time is very fast, it isn't surprising at all.
I felt for Ben, when he was behind me going into the 2nd chicane, on RH I like to lift and then brake, so I could basically brake at same point as I do on softs. Unfortunately, this caught Ben off guard a little and he tapped me, so I couldnt make the turn and was forced to cut the chicane. Ben though seemed to really lucked out as he tried to avoid and ran off into the sand
This gave me a break for a few laps and was basically holding steady with Jono / Razor. Eventually Warrior got free of the pack and hunted me down. I could see he was faster, and decided I wouldn't block any move as I didn't want to lose more time to the leaders than needed. But the move never seemed to come, although I kept going a little too deep for me, thus stuffing my exits, which meant the gap grew and grew to the leaders. Warrior eventually took the lead and I sat behind for a couple of laps, until I made another unforced error and he broke the slip stream. But I wasn't stressed as I had clean air.
I had a few strats up my sleeve depending on my position, and decided to go longer on the hards than my original plan. I pit end of lap 14, and then topped up to 90L for 18L on RS. My fuel was perfect. The couple of laps of undercut closed the gap to Jono and I must have been 3-4 tenths behind getting his slipstream. But alas I just couldnt get it to help me along haha.
After my 18L I put in 1L more than required, just to be sure
With 7 laps to go, I thought I might just hold on to 2nd. Was counting the laps and watching the gap. I was in a constant battle with myself of trying to focus on my driving, and watchin the little arrows and clock to judge the gaps. With 4 laps to go, I could see warrior gaining fast, and worked out if I didn't screw up I was probably going to have to defend on the final corner. Fortunately for me, warrior's pace dropped off somewhat as on the last lap I crashed into the wall as I tagged the outside grass after the 1st lesmo. Fortunately I was able to drive out of it and got away with it. Crossed the line with about 2L remaining.
Very stoked with 2nd, and my first podium. I got really lucky this race with basically clean air the whole time, which really made all the difference. Thanks to all for the racing, and looking forward to the final random weather race!
Although I'd love for AO to be able to join us (and Im open to starting later if it helps AO?), I think the rerun may be best done this Sunday.
@seth123 @Ben78 @R0T0R-AU86 @Russell @X-WTF_MAN-X @razor4797 You guys fine with Sunday?
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