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Scott McLaughlin is confident Garry Rogers Motorsport is zeroing in on reliability issues that have hobbled their progress in recent weeks.
Power steering issues struck the GRM entries at Symmons Plains while McLaughlin required an engine change in between races at Winton after a failure in Race 7.
The new-for-2014 Volvo V8 Supercar is clearly one of the quickest cars on the grid, but reliability concerns remain an issue which the team is racing to solve with the enduro season rapidly approaching.
McLaughlin, who is 10th in the championship, believes the team is making progress in terms of improving reliability, but he is under no illusions regarding the extent of the task.
“I think we are making progress,” McLaughlin told Speedcafe.com
“We are working hard but it is hard because we have not had any test days so we are trying to iron out problems but we are having to do it at a race meeting which is tough.
“The boys at the team are a great bunch of guys and they know what they are doing.
“The package the boys have given us to start with is great and it is just a matter trying to find that reliability which the guys are confident they can achieve, but we can’t just snap our fingers and it will happen straight away.”
“I knew this was going to be the case this season so I’m happy to be still 10th in the championship right now.”
GRM is yet to use one of its four allocated test days and it is expected the team is planning a test session shortly after Pukekohe.
“I know the team are trying to organise stuff as its pretty busy with all the racing but I don’t see why it won’t be some time soon,” McLaughlin said.
While reliability concerns have hampered the team’s chances to convert strong race pace into points, McLaughlin feels the experience of helping develop a new car is making him a more rounded driver.
“I’ve shown I can drive a car that is working well but I want to prove to myself that I can help develop a new car and engine,” McLaughlin said.
“It’s a great opportunity and it makes me feel better knowing that I have put a lot towards to this campaign and help Volvo shape their V8 Supercars campaign.”
