OzRacingWrap

Looking to build on a strong finish to the 2011 season, Marcos Ambrose has posted some impressive times in pre-season testing at Daytona International Speedway.

In the test session over three days, Ambrose posted a best result of the 3rd fastest time in the Friday morning session.

Nascar 2012 action will get underway with the Shootout on February 18 as a lead into the Daytona 500 on February 26.

With Nascar moving in the offseason to modify the rules to make drafting more difficult, the test days were also the first time to see the changes in action. From his seat Ambrose noticed little change from the new rules and also felt little difference from the new electronic fuel injection system.

Marcus provided the following quotes from the test session

Part 1

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR DRAFTING SESSION THIS MORNING?

"It feels very similar to last time. NASCAR changed the rules to try to make it harder for us but we are still doing it. The speeds are up and the restrictor plate is pretty open. It is a lot faster and drafting the way we are, the technique and everything hasn't really changed that much."

DO YOU NOTICE ANYTHING DIFFERENT FROM YOUR SEAT WITH THE FUEL INJECTION?

"Not really. You run these things wide open when you are drafting anyway. The switch over has been very smooth though and I have been very impressed by how all the teams and manufacturers have been able to adapt to the new rules."

WHAT IS THIS PACK RACING THIS AFTERNOON GOING TO BE LIKE?

"It is going to be interesting. We have a meeting to find out how they want to conduct it. We will just have to see."

YOU HAVE A NEW TEAMMATE THIS YEAR, HOW IS IT GOING SO FAR WORKING TOGETHER?

"Aric is really great. We are working well and drafting with each other and we will just take it a day at a time here and build that relationship. I know that he really wants to do well for Richard Petty and his 43 team and I want to do the same."

PART 2

Marcos Ambrose shares his thoughts during testing at Daytona International Speedway.

Ambrose on Being the Team Veteran Going Into Daytona Testing:

"I've been with Richard Petty Motorsports for a year now and I feel very comfortable with my guys. It's very relaxing to go to the Daytona test this year. I know Todd's (Parrott) got my back, I trust him and he's been great for me. We've built a really good relationship over the last year. We know what we need to do this year, we need to be better than 2011, and I think we are going to do that. Since we have a season under our belts working together, we're going to be a much stronger force to reckon with than we were in 2011. The first part of last year was really about learning each other and getting used to my team. After 12 months together I feel like we have the ability to step it up to the next level. The biggest asset to our team is that we haven't changed, we've kept the foundation the same and we will be able to build off of that this year."

Ambrose on Getting Back Behind the Wheel After the Off-Season and Day One of Testing at Daytona:

"It's just good to get behind the wheel, get back in the swing of things and see my guys again at the race track. It's been a fun day, the first day of the test is basically just single car runs, nothing too serious yet. It's great to get back in the driver's seat, go 200 miles-per-hour and be here at Daytona International Speedway, I feel like the season is really upon us now."

Ambrose on Day Two of Testing and Drafting with New Teammate Aric Almirola:

"I'm excited for day two of testing since we will start the two-car draft tomorrow. I feel like I've gotten to know Aric's driving style a little bit today, and hopefully tomorrow I will get to know him a little bit more behind the wheel. We are going to be a good two-car team and we need to learn to work together. Tomorrow's really all about the draft and Aric and I have never drafted together, so we'll spend the first half of the day just getting to know each other. We need to get some confidence in each other's drafting ability this weekend to get us ready for the Daytona 500 next month."

Ambrose on the New Electronic Fuel Injection Systems (EFI):

"The EFI system makes the car start a lot easier, which is very nice. It doesn't nose over when you are trying to get down onto pit lane like the old fueling system did. Overall I would say I like the new EFI system."