V8 switch no worry for veteran Ingall

V8 Supercars supersub Russell Ingall feels he is up to speed after his two endurance outings ahead of this weekend’s Gold Coast 600.

After filling in for injured Holden driver James Courtney at the Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000, Ingall will switch to Ford on the streets of Surfers Paradise.

The 51-year-old will jump into the seat of the No.6 Prodrive Racing Australia Falcon after Chaz Mostert was sidelined due to injuries suffered in his qualifying crash at Mount Panorama.

It will be 2005 champion Ingall’s 250th V8 Supercar round in his long career, but the first time he’s been behind the wheel of a Falcon since 2007.

Despite the lack of time behind the wheel of the car he’ll drive at the unforgiving street circuit, Ingall says he’s comfortable with his driving after his recent exploits for the Holden Racing Team.

“I don’t expect it to be too much trouble,” Ingall said.

“It was a bit different when I jumped into the Holden Racing Team car because I’d been out of the saddle for eight months.

“Now it’s just getting used to the characteristics of the car. It will be different, everyone says it’s a great car to drive.”

Despite his cameo endurance season, Ingall knocked back any suggestion the experience would have him chasing a more permanent return next year.

“I always said I wasn’t auditioning for a drive,” he said.

“I actually didn’t want to do the enduros unless it was with a good team. That opportunity didn’t come up, hence I thought it’s off to do commentary duties and, lo and behold, I’ve been with two of the top teams in Australian motorsport.

“It’s amazing how the tables turn.”

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