HOLDEN CONTINUE STRONG FORM AT PHILLIP ISLAND

James Courtney topped the opening practice session at Phillip Island – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

James Courtney and Jamie Whincup led the way in Friday Practice for this weekend’s Phillip Island 500.

Courtney emphasised the recent pace shown by the Walkinshaw Andretti United team when he set a 1m 30.6461s lap time to head the first session. Scott McLaughlin upheld the Ford honour, despite blowing a front tyre in second, as Shane van Gisbergen rounded out the top three, 0.0779s off the pace.

Continuing on from his strong Tasmanian form, Craig Lowndes placed fourth ahead of Cam Waters, Nick Percat, Scott Pye, Fabian Coulthard, David Reynolds and Garth Tander, who made it seven Holdens in the top 10.

Todd Hazelwood finished just outside the top 10 as lead rookie in 11^th while Whincup finished 17^th after finding it hard to adjust to the older 2016-spec tyre.

Jamie Whincup set the pace in the second session – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

The Supercars champion came to the fore in the second session, setting a 1m 29.9856s to top the session ahead of DJR Team Penske pair McLaughlin and Coulthard.

Starting his 200^th Supercars event, Mark Winterbottom finished the session fourth ahead of Percat, Courtney, Chaz Mostert, van Gisbergen, Will Davison and Pye.

Anton De Pasquale testing the limits in practice – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

Anton De Pasquale finished as lead rookie in 12^th, just behind teammate Reynolds.

Tomorrow’s Qualifying starts at 12:05pm before the 57-lap Race 9 commences at 3:45pm.

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