All three Stone Brothers Racing Falcons will start tomorrow’s top 10 shootout at Albert Park, after Shane van Gisbergen’s efforts today.
The 21-year-old Kiwi topped this evening’s qualifying session before plucking the number eight from the event’s unique lotto draw – thereby ensuring that only the top eight positions will be inverted before the shootout.
While van Gisbergen topped the 30 minute qualifying session by 0.6s with a surprising final lap, Tim Slade managed eighth in the Lucky 7 Ford, and Alex Davison 10th in the IRWIN entry.
“That was a great last lap,” said van Gisbergen of his last-ditch qualifying attempt.
“I was on a flyer just before the red flag was called for one of the Kelly cars (Todd Kelly) and had to pit.
“I knew there wasn’t much time left but also knew if I could get another good lap in my tyres would be up to it.
Secure your spot today.
“I was closing fast on Mark Winterbottom so I had a bit of speed and I was on it.
“When I crossed the finish line I saw the three green boxes on the big screen and that’s when it hit me that we had topped the session.
“Pulling the ball out of the helmet was a novelty but nerve-racking at the same time because we all could have ended up outside the top ten shoot out tomorrow which would have made life hard.
“Thankfully number eight came out and all three of us get to have a shot at pole position tomorrow.”
The top 10 shootout will be held tomorrow at 15:00.
CLICK HERE for today’s qualifying report
