Russell hits Melbourne Street circuit for the first time

Russell’s first fulltime foray into V8 Supercars was not without setbacks and trying conditions. The Novocastrian has not been discouraged and can’t wait to get back in the car –

“Clipsal was a massive eye opening experience. I made some bad decisions and I have to accept it, learn from it and move forward. The category is full of potential winners and Percat proved that. Everyone is fast and it’s a matter of adapting, improving and gaining confidence”.

Aaren’s times improved throughout the weekend, which gave him and his team confidence in his mild progression.

General Manager Barry Ryan reflected on Aaren’s first race with team – “We can only ask him to better each and every time he gets in the car. In the infancy of his program he needs to race himself and the track. We are encouraged by the small improvements he made each time he got in. He has a willingness to work hard and learn”.

This coming weekend will be the first time Aaren races the streets of Melbourne and is realistic about his expectations – “I am not one to make excuses. This will be another trying weekend. I have never driven here before. I have watched it off course and it looks challenging. We get minimal time before we qualifying for the 4 races so I will be doing everything I can to learn as much as I can before we race on Friday”.

Russell will first hit the track for two practice sessions this afternoon following by a the one qualifier in the late afternoon.