2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia: Round 2, Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix

The Bob Jane T-Marts' team returned to the podium at the second round of the Porsche Payce Carrera Cup Australia series at Albert Park this weekend.

Jordan Love finished all four races within the top three to claim second overall while teammate Michael Almond fought back from a DNF in Race 1 to finish the final race third.

With just one practice session on Thursday to perfect the cars for qualifying Almond was on the pace early and set the third fastest time of the session. He went on to qualify second and secure a start from the front row of the grid for Race 1.

Love endured a tougher run to the opening race, finishing the practice session eighth and only managing sixth in qualifying.

A good start in the opening race elevated Love to fourth on the opening lap. He gained another position on Lap 2 which he maintained to the race end.

“Qualifying was my biggest issue this weekend,” Love explained. “I just didn’t put a lap together which meant I didn’t put myself in the best possible position for Race 1.

The #777 driver finished second in Race 2 setting up a front row start for Race 3. After some minor tweaks to setup overnight Love made a good start, taking control of the race at the opening corner. He maintained this position to take his first race win of the year.

Another great start saw Love lead the final race from start-to-finish, greeting the chequered flag an impressive eight seconds ahead of David Wall and his teammate Michael Almond.

“We definitely improved each time we went out,” Love continued. “I felt that I still made a few small mistakes in Race 3 but managed to come away with the win.

“It all came together in the final race and it was great to really show just how great the car was this weekend.”

Love’s podium result has elevated him to second in the championship standings.

A DNF in the opening race of the weekend left teammate Michael Almond to start Race 2 from 24th on the grid. The #77 driver passed half of the field on his way to finishing 12th. He made up more ground in Race 3 to finish ninth.

Almond, who drove a sensational final race on Sunday to come through from ninth to finish third, said the pace his car held at the end of the event was a lot stronger than last year. “I was disappointed I didn’t capitalise on my front row start in the opening race,” Almond explained.

“To be honest I got caught out and dropped a few spots off the start then miss judged Turn 4 and hit the tyre wall.

“The car was awesome and the team did a fantastic job continually tweaking set up to ensure we maximised our pace. This year we finished the final race with a car that was really strong,” he continued.

The Bob Jane T-Marts team will embark on a test at Phillip Island ahead of the third round of the series at the Phillip Island 500 on April 12 -14.

Jordan Love #777

• Practice 8th
• Qualifying 6th
• Race 1 3rd
• Race 2 2nd
• Race 3 1st
• Race 4 1st
• Round Result 2nd
  

Michael Almond #77

• Practice 1 3rd
• Qualifying 2nd
• Race 1 DNF
• Race 2 12th
• Race 3 9th
• Race 4 3rd
• Round Result 12th

Top Ten Porsche Carrera Cup Pro Standings (After Rd 2 of 8)

1. Dale Wood, 316pts
2. Jordan Love, 277pts
3. David Wall, 267pts
4. Nick McBride, 256pts
5. Warren Luff, 248pts
6. Cameron Hill, 200pts
7. Thomas Maxwell, 159pts
8. Cooper Murray, 154pts
9. Michael Almond, 117pts
10. Duvashen Padayachee, 114pts