‘Bit of a tease’ for Frosty

MARK Winterbottom has described his first taste behind the wheel of a Holden as a “bit of a tease” after his debut test with his new team.

The long-time Ford favourite hit the track to shake down his new Team 18 Commodore at Queensland Raceway yesterday, marking the start of a new era for the 2015 series champion.

It was Winterbottom’s first time on track in a Holden, having raced Falcons all his career in Supercars, including the past 13 years at Tickford Racing before his big career switch.

Winterbottom said he felt immediately comfortable with his new team and car and could not wait to get the chance to race it again.

“It’s a bit of a tease to be honest, it’s like getting your Chrissy present and they take it back off you and give it to you in a month,’’ Winterbottom said.

“It’s been a lot of build-up and the countdown and all that anxiety to get in and have a play. But 10 laps is enough ... to know that in a month’s time we’ll be ready and we’re well down the track. January for me is normally holidays ... I never really felt like racing in January, but I wish today was a race meeting.’’

Winterbottom acknowledged the differences between the Holden and Ford, but did not anticipate any teething problems. “There are differences, but it’s not like we haven’t followed that car for many years so I know its strengths and weaknesses,” he said.