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TEAM Vodafone's controversial defection to Holden could cost Jamie Whincup the V8 Supercars championship.
That is the opinion of Triple Eight Racing boss Roland Dane, who has admitted dumping Ford may have ruined his star driver's dream of winning three consecutive V8 titles.
In a frank interview in the week of the championship-deciding race at Homebush, the Irishman blamed himself for Whincup's failings this year.
"It is not Jamie's fault," said Dane. "He has been the fastest driver all year but we have struggled with the transition from Ford to Holden. There have been a lot of complications and that has affected us."
Despite winning more races than anyone this year with nine, Whincup trails Ford driver James Courtney (five wins) going into the Sydney 500.
Dane said Whincup was by far the quickest and most talented driver and said the car and the team were to blame for his mixed results this year.
"Everyone who knows a thing knows Jamie is the fastest driver," Dane said.
"James is leading the championship because he has been consistent and he could win like Rick Kelly and others have done in the past. There is no question in my mind whatsoever that this is not Jamie's fault. This is the team's fault."
Some chinks have emerged in Team Vodafone's armour with an over-fuelling error costing Whincup a possible race win in Sandown last round.
"A number of things have happened this year that have had nothing to do with him," Dane said. "The only mistake he has made was at Winton. Other than that he has been perfect.
"But these things happen when you go motor racing. It is a team sport and we are all together in this. You rely on other people just like you do in a football team. One bloke might be doing brilliantly but you can't win if other people aren't on their game. Everyone else has to do there job.
"Jamie is still brilliant. There is no question about that. The fact he isn't leading has nothing to do with him. He has done a very good job."
Dane admitted his lead charge had become frustrated with the team's form this year.
"I suspect he finds it frustrating," Dane said. "But as I say, you are part of a team."
Boo Hoo [f]
Just makes you want to grab Roland and Jamie and give them a big hug doesn't it
I pinched this from a James Phelps article here
That is the opinion of Triple Eight Racing boss Roland Dane, who has admitted dumping Ford may have ruined his star driver's dream of winning three consecutive V8 titles.
In a frank interview in the week of the championship-deciding race at Homebush, the Irishman blamed himself for Whincup's failings this year.
"It is not Jamie's fault," said Dane. "He has been the fastest driver all year but we have struggled with the transition from Ford to Holden. There have been a lot of complications and that has affected us."
Despite winning more races than anyone this year with nine, Whincup trails Ford driver James Courtney (five wins) going into the Sydney 500.
Dane said Whincup was by far the quickest and most talented driver and said the car and the team were to blame for his mixed results this year.
"Everyone who knows a thing knows Jamie is the fastest driver," Dane said.
"James is leading the championship because he has been consistent and he could win like Rick Kelly and others have done in the past. There is no question in my mind whatsoever that this is not Jamie's fault. This is the team's fault."
Some chinks have emerged in Team Vodafone's armour with an over-fuelling error costing Whincup a possible race win in Sandown last round.
"A number of things have happened this year that have had nothing to do with him," Dane said. "The only mistake he has made was at Winton. Other than that he has been perfect.
"But these things happen when you go motor racing. It is a team sport and we are all together in this. You rely on other people just like you do in a football team. One bloke might be doing brilliantly but you can't win if other people aren't on their game. Everyone else has to do there job.
"Jamie is still brilliant. There is no question about that. The fact he isn't leading has nothing to do with him. He has done a very good job."
Dane admitted his lead charge had become frustrated with the team's form this year.
"I suspect he finds it frustrating," Dane said. "But as I say, you are part of a team."
Boo Hoo [f]
Just makes you want to grab Roland and Jamie and give them a big hug doesn't it
I pinched this from a James Phelps article here
