TeamVodafone Adelaide race 2 report

TeamVodafone opt for economical strategy in final Clipsal 500 race

Jamie Whincup

Photo by: Edge Photographics

With the final 250km leg of the Clipsal 500 running under a green flag from start to finish, TeamVodafone were forced to adapt their strategy from one of outright attack to fuel saving. Both Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes found themselves on an economy run, the duo eventually finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

Whincup, who started from pole position after posting the fastest time in this morning’s 20 minute qualifying session, commanded the race lead until Lap 37. The defending champion's #1 Commodore developed a misfire which effected fuel consumption and cost him three positions.

Teammate Craig Lowndes suffered similar issues, both TeamVodafone pilots opting for an economical fuel strategy, holding consistent pace in the hope of an opportunity arising for a third pitstop.

With no safety cars incidents throughout the 78-lap race, the 3.22km circuit became a freight-train style track formation with all teams conserving fuel, Whincup maintained fourth for the second half of the race and Lowndes held fifth until the end of the race.

Whincup now sits second in the V8 Supercar Championship Series on 270 points, 18 points behind Will Davison, Lowndes is fifth in the standings on 206 points.

The TeamVodafone duo will now head back to Brisbane to prepare for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 15-18.