Commitment, dedication and bravery are the three ingredients required for a fast lap around Phillip Island, according to GWR Australia Carrera Cup driver Duvashen Padayachee.
The picturesque circuit is the venue for this weekend’s third round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, and it’s a track Padayachee loves.
“Of all the tracks we go to, Phillip Island is probably the best-suited to the Carrera Cup race cars,” Padayachee said.
“It’s a very European-style circuit with fast, flowing corners – exactly what Porsche race cars were designed for. You can really make the most of the incredible mid-corner speeds you can carry, and you’re absolutely on the limit the entire time. When you nail a fast lap around Phillip Island, it’s exhilarating and very satisfying.”
This weekend’s Carrera Cup round will start with a 24-lap race on Saturday morning, which will be the first in a series of longer-distance, Endurance Cup races to be held at each of the remaining six rounds. Padayachee said it will require patience and self-discipline.
“In these cars, the tyres start to lose their performance after 10 laps, so 24 laps will be a real test,” he said.
“It will be important not to go too hard too early, otherwise you’ll lose out at the end. I’ll be concentrating on driving the car very straight, and avoiding brake lockups or wheelspin.”
Duvashen’s father, Indiran Padayachee is aiming for an improved performance after a positive test day at Phillip Island in the lead-up.
“Dad was doing some good lap times on the test day, and Phillip Island was one of his strongest rounds last year,” Padyachee said.
“He always improves over the course of a race weekend; the biggest challenge is for him to be on the pace from the start of practice and qualifying.”
Saturday morning’s 24-lapper will be followed by a pair of shorter, 14-lap races on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
Carrera Cup Round 3 Schedule
Friday, 12 April
10:25 – Practice 1 (25 min)
13:25 – Practice 2 (25 min)
15:55 – Qualifying (20 min)
Saturday, 13 April
11:20 – Race 1 (24 laps)
14:40 – Race 2 (14 laps)
Sunday, 14 April
13:05 – Race 3 (14 laps)
