THE Gen3 parity saga is raging on, leading Supercars to conduct another aero test later this month.
Ford has been persistent in flagging concerns about how its S650 Mustang stacks up with the rival Chevrolet Camaro.
That ramped up when American-based Ford Performance boss Mark Rushbrook spoke at length on the matter during the Bathurst 12 Hour weekend, on Saturday February 4.
While it’s been an exciting couple of weeks for the championship with a flurry of livery reveals and track debuts of its stunning new cars, the parity debate has lingered in the background.
Still not satisfied following comparative testing last month at Queensland Raceway – which included a driver swap whereby Shane van Gisbergen and James Courtney steered the Mustang and Camaro prototypes, respectively – Supercars is headed back to a runway.
Ford’s concerns are believed to centre around a difference in front-to-rear aerodynamic balance between the two cars, rather than total downforce.
V8 Sleuth understands straight-line testing will take place in late February, following the all-in test at Sydney Motorsport Park next Wednesday.
A VCAT-style process will be carried out in the time available prior to Round 1 at Newcastle on March 10-12.
Dates and a location for the test are still being finalised.
Discussions are also understood to be ongoing around engine parity, which Ford insists has also not been achieved.
The final Gen3 shakedowns of the Supercars pre-season are taking place today at Winton, where the Team 18 Camaros of Mark Winterbottom and Scott Pye are cutting laps for the first time.
