Ford demand victory at Bathurst 1000

Ford has not won at Bathurst since 1998 and have only tasted success twice in the past 15 years.

Ford's poor record at Mount Panorama is not mirrored in the season-long championship where it has won the past three driver's and team titles.

But while championship success is coveted, nothing matches victory in the Bathurst 1000.

Ford president Tom Gorman said it was time Falcon drivers delivered the title to the legions of Blue Oval fans.

"The one thing missing in our trophy cabinet is Bathurst," said Gorman.

"I don't think a day goes by when Bathurst is not brought up in some type of conversation, it means that much to everyone associated with Ford.

"A win for Ford would mean a lot. I know that we are in the middle of a championship hunt, but I know that all the Ford teams will attack to win the race. The championship is a secondary consideration right now.

"We have the talent and the teams to get us a win at Mount Panorama. However it's the one race where predictions are too hard to make.

"It would be a career, as well as a personal, highlight for me to win Bathurst."

Lowndes and Winterbottom represent Ford's best chance at winning this weekend.

It's been a decade since Lowndes won the big race, but with his Betta Electrical Falcon flying and teammate Jamie Whincup in top form he's never been more confident.

Lowndes and Whincup have won four of eight rounds this season but victory on Sunday would be the sweetest of all.

"It has been 10 years since I won at Bathurst and personally I have never felt better prepared for this event," said Lowndes.

"Without a doubt this is the best driver pairing of my career, Jamie is doing a tremendous job this year and knows what is required to get on the podium at Bathurst."

Winterbottom too is carrying outstanding form into the season's biggest race.

He and high-profile teammate Jason Bright, Ford's last Bathurst winner in 1998, won the Sandown 500 last start and their CAT FPR Falcon is considered one of the fastest V8s on the grid.

"This is without any doubt my best chance to gain a Bathurst title and even though I am in the running for the championship, this won't be stopping Jason and I from fighting all the way to the finish line like we did at Sandown," said Winterbottom.

Defending series champion Russell Ingall and Luke Youlden (Caltex Racing), James Courtney and Glenn Seton (Jeld-Wen Racing) plus Steven Johnson and Will Davison (First Rock Home Loans Racing) are considered the outside contenders for Ford.

Bookmakers have installed Holden as pre-race favourites at $1.70 with Centrebet ahead of Ford at $2.05.

Holden's defending champ Mark Skaife (with Garth Tander) is the early pre-race favourite at $3.50, with Lowndes and Whincup next best at $4.00.

AAP