Jim Beam Racing's Steven Johnson and James Moffat overcame car problems to kick off their 2011 V8 Supercar Championship Series campaign with solid performances.
Johnson continued his strong practice session pace in qualifying. With no shootout to contend with and time for two possible runs around the 4.73km circuit in 30 mins, Johnson nailed a fast time on the Yas Marina circuit to qualify 8th.
Team Mate James Moffat looked to struggle with car 18 during qualifying and had to make do with a P28 start in his main series debut. An engine change was required following qualifying which explained the battle Moff was having with the the #18 FG Falcon.
The start of Race 1 was eventful, with Johnson pushing up a spot to be in the battle pack for the first stint of the race.
A loose strap on the cool suit box caused concern, resulting in the cool suit being switched off for the race. Taking his first stop on lap 12 the cool suit was fixed but a longer than anticipated pit stop would have Johnson rejoin the field in around 20th.
Johnson set his aim for the leaders and pulled his way back mid-field before returning to pit lane on lap 28 to a slicker pit stop.
Posting consistent mid 1.58s for the last stint, Johnson showed great contol of his car and seemed to combat the fast denigrating tyre wear that others were experiencing to finish 11th.
"It was a reasonable race," said Johnson.
"The last part of the race was the best, as the car was relatively stable and we were able to look after tyre wear without jeopardising lap time.
"Look the situation with the cool box can happen...its over - gone - its in the past, but we stay positive as it's something that we can learn from."
"As I said yesterday, clearly our cars are more suited to the sprint tyre around this circuit so, hopefully, tomorrow we can start qualifying where we left off today."
Rookie James 'The Moff' Moffat was clearly disappointed after Qualifying at having to start his main series campaign from the back of the grid, however this may have been a blessing after a number of cars made contact shortly after the start of the race at Turn 2.
The Moff missed the action (or inaction as the case may be) and was up 8 spots by the end of lap 2.
The decision to change engines had a positive effect on the Moff whose strategy of focusing on the car in front worked in helping him make up 12 spots to finish 16th.
The Moff's race was not without incident and post-race he accepted a 25 point penalty for careless driving after being involved in an incident with Courtney and Bargwanna on the last lap before crossing the finish line.
"It's what sometimes happens," said The Moff.
"This is the longest (solo) race I have done and to start right at the back of the field and then finish 16th is really not too shabby - especially when there are some more experienced drivers behine me.
"As far as the incident is concerned, it has been dealt with and it's over.
"During the race the car was much better and the crew did a great job in both of our stops.
"I want to continue to improve, and there is more that I know I can do in this racecar.
"But sometimes I get reminded that this is my first season, my first race, and - for all of us in The Team - this is the first time we have all come together. So when you put it in that perspective, it really was a solid start."
Qualifying for Race 2 gets underway at 3.15pm local time.
Johnson continued his strong practice session pace in qualifying. With no shootout to contend with and time for two possible runs around the 4.73km circuit in 30 mins, Johnson nailed a fast time on the Yas Marina circuit to qualify 8th.
Team Mate James Moffat looked to struggle with car 18 during qualifying and had to make do with a P28 start in his main series debut. An engine change was required following qualifying which explained the battle Moff was having with the the #18 FG Falcon.
The start of Race 1 was eventful, with Johnson pushing up a spot to be in the battle pack for the first stint of the race.
A loose strap on the cool suit box caused concern, resulting in the cool suit being switched off for the race. Taking his first stop on lap 12 the cool suit was fixed but a longer than anticipated pit stop would have Johnson rejoin the field in around 20th.
Johnson set his aim for the leaders and pulled his way back mid-field before returning to pit lane on lap 28 to a slicker pit stop.
Posting consistent mid 1.58s for the last stint, Johnson showed great contol of his car and seemed to combat the fast denigrating tyre wear that others were experiencing to finish 11th.
"It was a reasonable race," said Johnson.
"The last part of the race was the best, as the car was relatively stable and we were able to look after tyre wear without jeopardising lap time.
"Look the situation with the cool box can happen...its over - gone - its in the past, but we stay positive as it's something that we can learn from."
"As I said yesterday, clearly our cars are more suited to the sprint tyre around this circuit so, hopefully, tomorrow we can start qualifying where we left off today."
Rookie James 'The Moff' Moffat was clearly disappointed after Qualifying at having to start his main series campaign from the back of the grid, however this may have been a blessing after a number of cars made contact shortly after the start of the race at Turn 2.
The Moff missed the action (or inaction as the case may be) and was up 8 spots by the end of lap 2.
The decision to change engines had a positive effect on the Moff whose strategy of focusing on the car in front worked in helping him make up 12 spots to finish 16th.
The Moff's race was not without incident and post-race he accepted a 25 point penalty for careless driving after being involved in an incident with Courtney and Bargwanna on the last lap before crossing the finish line.
"It's what sometimes happens," said The Moff.
"This is the longest (solo) race I have done and to start right at the back of the field and then finish 16th is really not too shabby - especially when there are some more experienced drivers behine me.
"As far as the incident is concerned, it has been dealt with and it's over.
"During the race the car was much better and the crew did a great job in both of our stops.
"I want to continue to improve, and there is more that I know I can do in this racecar.
"But sometimes I get reminded that this is my first season, my first race, and - for all of us in The Team - this is the first time we have all come together. So when you put it in that perspective, it really was a solid start."
Qualifying for Race 2 gets underway at 3.15pm local time.