Darwin’s Hidden Valley a favourite circuit for new Mustang driver Anton De Pasquale
The raw power of a Ford Mustang has Melbourne Supercars driver Anton De Pasquale in a buoyant mood
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THE Ford Mustangs are back in Darwin and Anton De Pasquale is ready to go in his new drivers role with Dick Johnson Racing.
The 25-year-old joined the blue oval in the off-season and has already impressed with a win in race 10 at The Bend in South Australia.
De Pasquale won his maiden Supercar race at Hidden Valley in a Commodore one year ago and is keen to reproduce that form in a Mustang.
“It’s always good to be back in Darwin, it’s a special part of this country where the weather is always perfect this time of year,’’ he said.
“And there’s always a terrific atmosphere present for our race meetings and the drivers respond to that.
“We’re coming off a win (in Tailem Bend) in the Supersprint, though that feels like a while ago now.
“Our last meeting at Winton was cancelled with the COVID coming stuff out of Melbourne, so it’s pretty well a new start for everyone.’’
Despite the lack of racing with the enforced seven-week break due to COVID restrictions, De Pasquale is keen to test the 2.9km Darwin track.
“It’s always a good feeling when you’re coming off some decent racing,’’ he said
“I hope that continues in Darwin where I want to carry that form going forward.’’
He smiled when asked what the rest of field had to do to beat the consistency and speed of Red Bull driver Shane van Gisbergen.
“We’re always trying to beat everyone and he’s included in that, particularly at this time of the year. when things get a big busy,’’ he said.
“It’s been a pretty competitive year, something that’s a constant with the drivers and their cars always improving, so it’s important to be on top of your form..’’
De Pasquale is rapt with the move from Holden to the Ford. camp.
“My first season in a Mustang since moving last year has been great,’’ he said.
“It feels like home, in fact I’ve loved it and the track I’ve been going around at Hidden Valley for the last three years suits these cars.’’
The have three qualifying sessions today before the first 38-lap race at 3.25pm.
Two more races (13 and 14) on the 2021 program are set down for Sunday.
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