Sandown, one of the most technically demanding circuits on the qualifying series calendar, will provide the drivers with a challenge like no other. Drivers will have to draw from all their experiences so far, as they try to deliver in the closing stages of the championship.

This week we hear Rehan Liyanage’s key points around the 3.104 kilometre circuit located in Springvale, Melbourne.

Lap one:

Lap one is crucial, if you have a bad start or something goes wrong at the start of the race, you are making the rest of the race quite hard for yourself. Once the first lap is over, you just have to settle in and deal with what you’ve got.

Turn 2-3:

Turn 2 & 3 is the first chicane, these two corners are very important, if you get them wrong, you can send yourself into the wall or into another car. If someone takes these kerbs wrong or gets to the throttle too quickly, there is potential for a spin and for a parking lot.

Straight line speed:

Sandown Motor park is known as two drag strips with a couple of twisty bits at the end, so that is why the straight line speed is crucial. If you have to sacrifice some time in corners by making that setup suit the straights, it is definitely worth it.

Brains:

You really have to use your brains and pick your battles, know when to get into a fight and when not to battle. Knowing how much to push and how much to conserve tyres as well as fuel.

Strategy:

Strategy just like any other track is key, tyre wear isn’t too bad around here, but it is a very long race. Knowing if you have to stay out, go in early, pit under safety, all of these things are part of the strategy which is highly required.