TeamVodafone Queensland Raceway test report

Lowndes and Skaife test after 10 years

As the countdown to the L&H 400 at Phillip Island commences, TeamVodafone's Craig Lowndes and Mark Skaife have teamed-up for the first time in 10 years for Testing at Queensland Raceway today.

In what has been one of the most anticipated pairings in V8 Supercar history, former Holden team-mates Lowndes and Skaife have reunited after a decade for this year's endurance races.

It was all smiles for the pair as they rehearsed driver changes and became acquainted with their brand new TeamVodafone Holden Commodore VE II, which made its official debut today after a 20 lap shakedown yesterday.

As veterans to the race, both Lowndes and semi-retired Skaife are eager to return to the track together for what will be Race 17 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

"Craig and I have driven a lot over the years and it's no surprise the seating and everything else is relatively easy to set-up," Skaife said.

"We like our cars the same so were pretty happy about our pairing.

"Teammate Craig Lowndes was equally pleased about being partnered with Skaife and believes their new car will be very promising.

"The car is very close to what we would usually have it anyway. Lucky enough we are around the same height and weight, so it's actually worked out really well."

"Balance wise, the car is great and it's a new car, which is a plus. Were really confident going into the race, it's just a matter of uncertainties in regards to the weather at Phillip Island," he explained.

Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes have won three consecutive Bathurst endurance races together from 2006-2008 but the duo will split due to new rules concerning co-drivers.

In what will be a never before seen partnering, Whincup will team-up with Fujitsu Series Leader Steve Owen for the long distance events.

Both drivers are feeling confident following a productive day and were extremely pleased with their car set-up and capabilities as team-mates.

Whincup said it was "so far, so good" and believes the team's efficiency was at its peak today. "The car hasn't been changed from the way I normally drive it. Steve's just jumped in and thinks it's all comfy, which is great."

"The car is feeling really good. Once we put some better tyres on, I think the car will feel as good as it ever has. Tyres are a really big part, so we had to ration them today," Whincup stated.

Owen agreed with his team-mate and said, "The team and car are both extremely good and, as Jamie said, I jumped in and was really comfortable, which is a really big thing."

"Jamie and I spent a bit of time together before today to make sure we were both on the same page. You have to be confident going into the race, otherwise there's no point in turning up." The L&H 400 Phillip Island will kick off on the 10-12 of September.

-source: teamvodafone