Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge drivers Brett Emerton, Robbie McEwen
and Nathan Brown have emerged as the drivers to watch during the
first set of practical exercises on day two of driver training at
Sandown Raceway.
Lydia Lassila has been named as the favourite for the girls at
this early stage, but is followed very closely by fellow Olympian
Torah Bright. Both girls are keen to earn a place on the podium in
2014, a familiar location for two of Australia's brightest Sochi
stars.
The group spent the morning in the classroom for their flag
lecture learning the vital signals used by on-track officials for
communicating with drivers, as well as receiving a detailed
briefing from the Confederation of Australian Motor sport (CAMS)
about all on-circuit activity.
In their final practical for the day, the celebrities completed
their first full laps of Sandown in preparation for their two mock
races tomorrow morning.
Brett Emerton said he was he looking forward to putting
everything he has learnt into practice for the first mock race.
"We have learnt so much during these two days of driver
training. Skaife and his team are remarkable in the way they
prepare you for racing," Emerton said.
"I think everyone is keen to go out really hard and show what
they can do, tomorrow will be a good indicator of how we are
progressing and who are the clear favourites for Albert Park."
Lauren Phillips said she is enjoying experience of pushing the
All-New Mazda3 to its limits out on the track.
"The Mazda3's have performed brilliantly so far and this
morning's cornering exercises highlighted just how sporty they
are," Lauren said.
"I picked up my very own All-New Mazda3 a couple of weeks ago, I
am yet to tell the other drivers but it has certainly given me a
small advantage!"
The Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge will feature 20 vehicles and
bring together celebrities from a wide variety of backgrounds and
disciplines to compete at Melbourne's Albert Park street circuit
during the 2014 Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix,
13-16 March, 2014.
The full list of 2014 Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge drivers
are:
Adam D'Sylva
Alex "Chumpy" Pullin
Brett Emerton
Catriona Rowntree
Charley Boorman
Clint Stanaway
Dave Thornton
Lauren Phillips
Lydia Lassila
Maz Compton
Megan Washington
Nathan Brown
Rachael Finch
Rob Mills
Robbie McEwen
Sam Mac
Scherri-Lee Biggs
Tim Robards
Tommy Little
Torah Bright
Re-designed from the ground up, the All-New Mazda3 adopts the
stylish ‘KODO - Soul of Motion' design language and the full
suite of efficient SKYACTIV Technologies.
Drivers will be better connected than ever before thanks to a
new car connectivity system that allows easier access to phone,
email and SMS, as well as Stitcherâ„¢,
Aha™ and Pandora®.
Including an Active Driving Display, All-New Mazda3 is on sale
now and is expected to be a favourite with Australia's new car
buyers.