International drivers took to Queensland Raceway today for their first hit out in the V8 Supercars.

Record crowds are expected at this weekend’s Gold Coast ArmorAll 600.

Jake Duke reports.

TRANSCRIPT

This Ford Performance racing car is much bigger than what Will Power is used to.

But with time-trials starting Friday on the streets of Surfers Paradise, this Australian-born Indy Car driver has some fast learning to do.

Will Power, International Co-driver: “Obviously, they’re a lot heavier car than the indy car, they have a little less power and so on, they’re not as nimble.”

This will be Power’s third time at the event.

He says he wants to do a good job for his co-driver, Mark Winterbottom .

Will Power, International Co-driver: “I just want to hand the car over to him with no damage and keep it at the front if he’s qualified at the front.”

Power’s drive will be crucial for Winterbotton, who’s desperately trying to reel in Championship leaders Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup.

Despite the target on his back, Whincup says he’s feeling comfortable coming into the weekend.

Jamie Whincup, V8 driver: “Love the Gold Coast events, it’s my home race, I’m only 10 minutes up the road from where the track is so I can’t wait to get there. Fingers crossed we can finish the weekend in a similar championship position.”

Whincup is partnered with Indy Car driver Sebastian Bourdais, who took home the Dan Wheldon trophy for the highest finishing international driver at last year’s event.

A total of 12 different countries will be represented across the 28 international co-drivers, 14 of whom are making their V8 Supercar debut.

The cars will be moved to the Gold Coast tomorrow.

Jake Duke, QUT News.