Jason Bright expects this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 to be one of the most challenging with the new track surface testing driver concentration levels to the limit.
The Brad Jones Racing driver has enjoyed a strong run throughout the weekend at Mount Panorama while several established drivers have been caught out by the new surface.
Reigning V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup, Craig Lowndes, David Reynolds and Warren Luff have all suffered high profile accidents in the lead up to the 1000km classic.
Bright, who will start the Great Race from fourth, says drivers are being forced to raise their concentration levels when driving the 6.2km this year with the handling unpredictable at times on the new bitumen.
The 1998 Bathurst winner believes driver fatigue will play a much more significant role in this year’s race, predicting more mistakes and Safety Cars compared to previous years.
“Its definitely going to be a challenging race,” Bright told Speedcafe.com.
“The track surface is very difficult to drive on. The concentration level required on this surface at the moment with the cars so nervous is going to make the race very mentally fatiguing. You will be getting less rest.
“With the cars quicker over the top, mental fatigue will take its toll and play a part later in the race.
“I think we will see mistakes even though there are not so many cars this year given the accidents we have seen so far.”
Meanwhile, Bright is feeling confident about his chances in this year’s race with Brad Jones Racing seemingly the form team this weekend with all three cars qualifying inside the top 10.
However, he has admitted his team will have to keep on their toes and adapt to track conditions throughout the race in order to challenge for the top step of the podium.
“The performance over the weekend does give me confidence,” added Bright.
“You got have good speed and it will come down to those last stints. I think we have done a great job at getting the car right all weekend as it has been a pretty challenging especially with this new track surface.
“It is going to change a hell of a lot during the race so everyone is going to have to be thinking on their feet as the day goes on.
“We have just developed our cars and have thrown a lot of things at the car through practice and qualifying.
“The other teams will find more so I don’t expect us to hold our advantage for very long. At the same time we are pretty happy with our package.
“This year I think we have had top two pace at different times we have just got to put it all together and adapt to the track.”
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