V8SDS: Tony D'Alberto Winton Saturday notes

D'ALBERTO EXTENDS SERIES LEAD WITH SECOND PLACE

Tony D'Alberto has finished second in Race 1 at Victoria's Winton Raceway for Round 3 of the 2007 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series today.

The 21 year-old Victorian drove a solid race to after eventual winner Andrew Thompson took a handy lead in the first few laps.

"My set-up was not quite as good as Andrew's on cold tyres," Tony said.

"But once the race got underway I was able to lap at a similar pace."

A late race safety car closed the field up and put Tony under some pressure from Kane Scott in the final turns of the race, but not enough to affect the result.

The result has added to Tony's Series points lead after his closest rival, Michael Caruso, failed to finish due to mechanical problems.

Tony qualified second this morning after a mistimed tyre change cost him a chance at improving on his time in the last few minutes.

"We just mistimed the final tyre change and I didn't get out there in time to better my position," Tony said.

In yesterday's practice sessions Tony was fastest in the wet first session and second fastest in the dry afternoon session.

Tony will line up on grid two for tomorrow morning's reverse-top-10 race which will be followed by the final 24-lap race.

-credit: www.tonyd.com.au