Percat tests out new Perth track surface

Nick Percat has sampled the newly resurfaced Barbagallo Wanneroo Raceway ahead of next month’s Pirtek Perth SuperNight.

The Brad Jones Racing driver headed west following the WD-40 Phillip Island SuperSprint to the Perth circuit where he cut laps in a Radical SR3 sportscar prepared by motorsport experience company Arise Racing.

Known as an abrasive high degradation track, the circuit has completed a costly full track resurface during the off season, featuring a similar asphalt to that used at Silverstone.

It is the first time the circuit has undergone a resurface since 2004.

The circuit’s new tarmac is expected to deliver much more grip culminating in record lap times when Supercars do battle at the venue under lights from May 2-4.

Percat expects teams will have to deploy different set-ups while the track will offer drivers new ways to attack it compared to previous years.

“It was good. There were two things I was trying to achieve, which was to check out the surface, which is going to have a lot more grip, and then there was driving stuff I want to tune up,” Percat told Speedcafe.com.

“The surface is going to be really good and we will be able to go longer on the tyres. I think the set-up will be a fair bit different if there is going to be more peak grip.

“The kerbing has changed and few of the bumps have gone. There will be a few spots there that will change the way we attack the circuit. I’m looking forward to it.”

While learning the circuit was one of his objectives from the visit, Percat was also keen to tune up his own driving skills.

“We don’t get to do much practice or go training in the race car,” he added.

“I find it weird that a lot people don’t do anything in a car in between events.

“I’ve got things in my driving style that aren’t ideal so I went over there and I trust the coaches (there) to fix things.”

Percat will head to Perth next month lying seventh in the championship standings after a strong start to the season that has seen him score eight top 10 finishes from the 10 races to date.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A quick day trip to Perth ✅ Worked on my driving style ✅ Learnt heaps ✅ Had fun ✅ Big thanks to @bsport_ and @ariseracing for making it possible. Can’t wait to be back in a few weeks!!

A post shared by Nick Percat (@nickpercat) on Apr 16, 2019 at 1:43am PDT