Yesterday was our second test day for the year and we spent the most of it working on little things. Overall I would say it was a successful day as we found a way to get more from the cars under braking.

Cameron and I spent most of the day in my car, while Brad and Max Wilson spent a large part of the day driving Cameron’s. It was good to receive input on the way my car is set up from Cam and he had some interesting insights.

I also tried out a different brake pad setting, which was similar to what I had in the Ford last year, but I didn’t feel comfortable with it in this car.

I also spent a great deal of time working out how to get the best out of the new clutch we used in Perth so there was plenty of stopping, starting and pitting then starting again, but it was worth it. After all that is what test days are for.

I wasn’t able to watch the Grand Prix due to the early start for the test day on Monday but I am told it was a cracking race. Mark Webber once again performed well and he must be wondering what he has to do to get a podium.

From what I have heard Lewis Hamilton had a bit of luck go his way, hitting the wall after the swimming pool and only having a few turns to get to the pits, which ironically set up his race well for tyre selections and fuel after all the carnage.

I think it’s good to see Felipe Massa continuing to do a good job. A lot of people seem to write him off and think he isn’t good enough for Ferrari but he is rapidly silencing them in a tight championship, which I am loving.

Right now there is nothing between Kimi Raikkonen, Hamilton, Massa and the very surprising Robert Kubica and it’s great to see!

I also take my hat off to Scott Dixon for winning the Indy 500. Scott is a tremendous talent and could probably make a very good F1 driver should he ever move from the IRL. To win the Indy 500 is very hard and is a huge achievement. I’m looking forward to the Indy race at the Gold Coast in October more and more, especially with all the stars set to be there.

Back at home and Mish and I finally finished the garden on the weekend, which means after four years we have finally finished renovating the house just in time for the arrival of ‘Nacho’. Everything is going well with the pregnancy and Mish is going through it like a champion, but she is beginning to get a little tired in the afternoons now.

It’s actually her baby shower this Saturday so seeing her friends will be good for her and I am sure they will have a great time.

On a completely unrelated topic, how about petrol prices!

I am not breaking the budget yet but there are people who are and it seems very little is being done about it as the price of petrol continues to rise. They say it’s a worldwide problem but it seems there is no regulation of the industry. I think that is reflected in prices going up before long weekend or public holidays. It’s time for the government to step in and help!

The fuel we get on race weekends is completely different and costs even more than that, but that’s just an aside. I seriously hope it doesn’t go past $2 a litre.

Jonesy

I know it sounds clichéd but I am really looking forward to racing this weekend. I’m always excited for the race weekend, but I think this year having a competitive car has really motivated me further.
 
This weekend in Perth is a chance for me to continue to improve, put down fast times, make it into [...]

Sorry everyone I have had to take this down and re-post it.
 
As I mentioned last week Mish and I headed to Melbourne at the weekend and we had a great time checking out our old haunts, including Claypots restaurant in St Kilda and then Sanchuros for dessert.
 
We both managed to take down a whole plate [...]

What a weekend! To finish 10th overall was huge for me. It’s the best finish I have had in a sprint round in my career and as well as showing what I can do on the track it also showcased how well the team is going.
 
While the weekend was by no means spectacular, it was [...]