Great start for D’Alberto
D’Alberto made an impressive debut in the V8 Supercar big league on Saturday, storming up the ranks in Race 1 at Clipsal to secure 17th position.
After starting in 24th, D’Alberto was faced with the trial of battling through the back of the pack. Traffic was a major concern for D’Alberto with every driver in his path hungry for a good result and ready to contest any attempt to overtake.
D’Alberto held onto the pace, quickly coming to terms with the massive leap to the main V8 Supercar series to start a careful climb through the field, finding 22nd by lap 25.
The team completed the compulsory pitstops for fuel and tyres in good time, bringing the #55 Commodore in on lap 29 and lap 50. D’Alberto continued to chip away at the lead of cars in front, making steady progress with each lap.
The safety car made an appearance in the later stage of the race and D’Alberto found himself under pressure with the entire field behind him. D’Alberto made the most of the restart, urging the car forward and taking advantage of the acceleration to find passing opportunities.
The car crossed the finish line in 17th position with barely a scratch after the punishing race. D’Alberto had successfully employed a strategy of skill teamed with patience to deliver a great result for the opening race of the 2008 season, hinting at a thrilling season of racing yet to come. D’Alberto was understandably pleased with the outcome.
“I’m feeling good about Race 1,” D’Alberto said, “The car was one of the fastest at the end of the race and had plenty of fight left.
”We’ve got a fairly good chance to secure a better result in tomorrow’s race. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and seeing what’s possible.”
