Shane van Gisbergen set the fastest time for a Holden in the third practice session for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, on a wet Thursday. However up front it was four Fords’ that set the pace with Tickford Racing’s Richie Stanaway on top, setting a time of 2:29.0174.
Behind Stanaway was Shell V-Power Racing’s Fabian Coulthard and Scott McLaughlin with Stanaway’s team mate Chaz Mostert fourth.
“It was nice for us to get a read in wet conditions today,” said McLaughlin. “We’ve been a bit lost in regard to wet set-up, so it was good to have a play and both cars at the end were up there, so it’s great for everyone. Alex was comfortable, I was comfortable, and it was a pretty good start to the weekend.”
“The car has rolled out of the truck well and we were able to run through our programs today,” commented van Gisbergen. “The only reason we ran in the rain was to keep the car hot and practise some brake pad and caliper changes. It was helpful for the crew to go through the processes – it was worthwhile running today.”
Van Gisbergen’s co-driver Earl Bamber set the third fastest time in the co-drivers session.
“Our day had a hectic start – I think it’s the earliest I’ve ever arrived for a driver change practice,” commented Bamber. “However, it was good to get going and run through the systems. It helps quite a lot to do the DVS practice to go through the motions and get used to what it’s like out there in the conditions.
“I managed to do a couple of laps at the end of P1 when Shane had enough driving. It’s great to be back at Bathurst, the track is amazing and it’s cool to be here in a V8 Supercar, I can’t wait to do some dry laps.
“The co-driver practice session was good, I think we ended up P3, we weren’t trying too much, and we just rolled through the motions to make sure were competitive – I think they wanted to check that I was somewhat competitive around Bathurst – luckily there’s lots of left turns for me. The other cool thing here is all the fans out and about, it’s crazy for a Thursday practice day. The fans are so passionate, attending signing sessions and all of that, so this is a cool part of the sport in Australia.”
Jamie Whincup elected not to run in the wet third session. Earlier in the day he set the tenth fastest time in Practice 1.
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