We’ve got work to do in V8s: Penske boss

Penske Racing boss Tim Cindric admits there’s more work to be done before Marcos Ambrose is back to being a contender in the V8 Supercars championship.

Sydney’s punishing streets and wild weather provided plenty of food for thought for Ambrose, who returned to the series after nine years in NASCAR as a wildcard in the season’s final round.

It was a rude introduction to the new generation of V8s for the two-time champion before next year’s full-time drive with the newly-formed DJR Team Penske.

Aside from a heavy shunt into a concrete barrier in qualifying on Saturday, Ambrose ended the weekend unscathed.

He finished 20th and 21st in the two 125km races, and an impressive 16th in Sunday’s abandoned 250km rain-affected feature.

“The circuit, combined with the conditions, has given him really a lot to think about in the off-season,” said Cindric, president of the US motorsport giant.

“He continued to progress as the weekend went on.

“We didn’t really know what to expect before we came here.

“To come here … with all the pressure that he’s had this week, it’s been a real testament to this team and where it can go.

“But we’ve got a little work to do.”

Penske sent a crew of their own from America to help out Dick Johnson Racing, who – with Ambrose’s car – had three entries competing this round.

Cindric said it had been a great opportunity for the group to race in Sydney.

“To work hand-in-hand with the Dick Johnson team has been something that’s really going to get us prepared for next year,” he said.

“And Ambrose has really handled it well. He’s a true professional.”

Ambrose, 38, will fly back to the United States on Monday, to return with his family to Australia before Christmas.

He plans to live in his home state of Tasmania and travel when needed to DJR’s base in Queensland.

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