Shane Van Gisbergen has settled in without a hitch at Triple Eight after cutting his first shakedown laps with the squad at Queensland Raceway.
The Kiwi underwent a 60km shakedown of his newly built Red Bull Triple Eight chassis at the Ipswich circuit as he continues to adapt to his new surroundings following his move from Tekno Autosports.
Fresh from his victory at the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, Van Gisbergen was pleased to complete the day without issue.
The team worked on the ergonomics of the cockpit throughout the day as they aim to ensure their new recruit is as comfortable as possible in the car.
Van Gisbergen will jump back behind the wheel of the #97 Red Bull Holden on Thursday for the team’s official pre-season test day at the Ipswich circuit.
“It was just a shakedown so I was just getting myself comfortable in the seat. It was good to have no issues and the car ran really well,” van Gisbergen told Speedcafe.com.
“I’m impressed but we have only had a few laps (shakedowns are limited to a maximum of 60km under the rules) and I haven’t been pushing hard yet.
“We were just doing systems checks but it is all good so far.
“We will see how we will go on Thursday.
“It’s been awesome working with the guys and its great to see how they work in a track environment.
“I’ve got a great crew on my car so I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s been pretty exciting to see the race car already to go for the first time.
“I’m not really sure what the car is capable of but I’m sure its going to be good.”
Triple Eight team manager Mark Dutton has been impressed at the rate Van Gisbergen has familiarised himself with his new surroundings.
“He has seemingly melded with the team and that was what we expected,” Dutton told Speedcafe.com.
“We had no major issues. We spent a fair amount of time trying to get Gizzy comfortable and we will double check to see if we are at 100 per cent but if we are not we will do some more work at the workshop.
“Ergonomics is so critical and I don’t think it gets the credit its due. A slightly wrong seating position can make the legs go numb.”
The team encountered no issues with Van Gisbergen’s car and Craig Lowndes’ new chassis, which completed its allotted 60km run in the hands of Jamie Whincup.
“We didn’t think there would be any issues from last year but it is still great that we didn’t have any issues arise,” added Dutton.
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