British driver Alex Buncombe is using today's test at Winton Motor Raceway to ease his way into the Jack Daniel's Nissan Altima that he'll race in the Pirtek Enduro Cup.
The 32-year-old Nissan factory driver has just a single day to acclimatise to the entry he'll share with Todd Kelly at the Wilson Security Sandown 500, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and Castrol Edge Gold Coast 600.
Buncombe has completed several runs in the car on a dry track this morning as forecast rain that saw Brad Jones Racing and Ford Performance Racing postpone their tests continues to hold off.
Highly experienced in GT competition, Buncombe says he's having to refine his driving style for the unique traits of the V8 Supercar.
“It's been a great day so far, I've done a few laps, the weather has been kind to me this morning and I've managed a few laps in the dry,” said Buncombe during a midday pause in proceedings.
“What a great car it is to drive, it's so different to what I've been used to in Europe.
“I've come from testing a P2 (sportscar) at Snetterton with carbon brakes, and obviously the Nismo GT-R (GT3), with all of the driver aids that help you along the way, then to get into the V8 Supercar is a fantastic experience.
“It's pure driving, you've got to be so, so smooth.
“I've spent the morning learning with Perry (Kapper, race engineer) and Todd, just going through some of the data.
“You've got to be so smooth with the car, and here at Winton it's the sort of track that you need to be fairly precise in the slow speed corners.
“That's where I've been losing some time, but the time in the slow speed corners will come, I just need a few more laps in the car.
“With the braking, I've been a bit late, in Europe with the Nismo GT-R you have 120 bar brake pressure, with this car it feels like you hardly touch the brake pedal, and the tyres will lock.
“I'm having to restrict myself to not go too deep on the brakes everywhere, I've had a few little lockup moments, which is actually good to have, to find the limit of the car.
“I've only got one test day before Sandown, so it's good to find the limit here.”
Walkinshaw Racing's British import Oliver Gavin is also cutting laps today in Nick Percat's HHA Commodore.
Both Buncombe and Gavin tested briefly with their respective teams at Sydney Motorsport Park in February.
Corvette factory GT driver Gavin previously raced in the V8 Supercars Championship with Kelly Racing at the 2011 Gold Coast 600.
Gavin will benefit from two days behind the wheel of Percat's Holden, with the four-car Walkinshaw outfit scheduled to remain at the venue on Tuesday.
VIDEO: Buncombe and Todd Kelly speak at Winton test