Marcos Ambrose is sweating it out during his first test with Dick Johnson Racing at Lakeside.
Temperatures have soared above 30 degrees at the rural Queensland venue as Ambrose undertakes a media and sponsor ride day; his first taste of a V8 Supercar in nine years.
With the car’s cabin cooling system compromised in order to fit the passenger seat required for the rides, Ambrose has had to deal with high temperatures.
The driver undertook an early helmet change – replacing his new Xbox unit for his own lid – in the pursuit of improved cooling.
“The car feels good, but it’s very hot in there,” Ambrose told Speedcafe.com.
“It’s a hot day, there’s no A/C unit or anything and the heat soak coming through the floor is pretty high.
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“We’ll work on that but the car handling is good and we’re feeling comfortable.
“I’m gradually building up each and every lap, going a little bit deeper and a little bit harder.”
DJR managing director Ryan Story was the first to ride in the car, followed by fellow co-owner Steve Brabeck.
Under the ride day rules, Ambrose was allowed just one lap in the car by himself before filing through the first of his 30 scheduled passengers.
“I’m not at the commitment stage, but I’m just getting a feel for the brakes, the gearbox and the way the suspension works,” said Ambrose of the car.
“It’s early days but it looks like you need a little bit more finesse to keep the car balanced, compared to the previous V8 Supercars I drove.
“Power is similar, brakes are good and the downforce feels a little better.”
Despite the circuit encouraging fans to stay away from the day, a healthy crowd of spectators gathered to watch Ambrose’s laps on the front-straight hill.
“It’s pretty humbling to see this many people come out here on a Friday afternoon doing rides,” said Ambrose.
“I keep saying that after nine years I thought I’d been forgotten about.
“Obviously I haven’t and I’m just very appreciative and respectful of the fact that people have come out here to see us.”
VIDEO: Footage of the XBox Falcon
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