V8 drivers forced into line at Surfers

Unforgiving high concrete kerbs have taught several V8 Supercar drivers a costly lesson in Friday’s practice on the Gold Coast.

In order to avoid a repeat of last year’s farcical scenes when several drivers shot straight through the two chicanes on the 2.96km Surfers Paradise street circuit, officials installed the imposing kerbs.

And they quickly had a lesson for those who took liberties with the track on Friday as several drivers were forced to limp broken vehicles back to the pits after coming off second-best with the kerbs.

Holden’s Garth Tander broke a suspension spring that brought his day to an early end while Jonathan Webb also suffered severe damage during the day’s final practice run to force his mechanics into some late-night repairs.

Despite those unfortunate to run afoul of the kerbs, drivers said the new measure was a success.

What they can’t understand is why there’s still a risk of copping a penalty if you trip electronic sensors by taking too straight a line through the chicanes.

“The quicker they get rid of them (the sensors), the better it’s going to be for everybody,” said Holden’s Michael Caruso, who was quickest in Friday’s practice.

“They’ve really improved the kerb system so it’s unnecessary to have the sensors there really.

“The kerbs are there and they’re doing their job and that’s quite clear. There’s no need to have the sensors to confuse the whole situation.

“If you hit the kerbs too hard, you’re going to lose time so, effectively, you’re going to give yourself the penalty.”

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