Caruso flies in the final Sydney practice

Michael Caruso confirmed his strong pace by topping the final practice session at the Red Rooster Sydney Super Sprint.

The Nissan Motorsport driver, who was fastest in Friday’s opening practice, shot to the top of the times in the dying moments of the final outing before qualifying.

Caruso managed to fire in a 1:28.86s to eclipse Scott McLaughlin by 0.2s who sat atop the timesheet for the majority of the session.

“I think the thing I’m probably most happy about over the last two day is that it’s consistent,” said Caruso.

“Clearly over the last few months that’s what we haven’t seen from our cars. Now the important stuff starts so hopefully we can do it in the next few sessions.”

McLaughlin used a green tyre in the hit out but was unable to clock a time in the 1:28s bracket.

Tim Slade also continued his impressive showing in the #14 Brad Jones Racing Commodore as he held second until Caruso’s late effort that demoted him to third.

Fabian Coulthard ensured both DJR Team Penske Ford Falcons were inside the top four, with the Kiwi 0.4s adrift of the pace.

Mark Winterbottom emerged as the top Prodrive runner in fifth as he continues to deliver with his new set-up direction.

Meanwhile, Craig Lowndes was the fastest of the three Triple Eight Holdens in sixth, while team-mates Shane van Gisbergen eighth and Jamie Whincup in 14th positions respectively.

Cameron Waters split Lowndes and reigning Supercars champion van Gisbergen in seventh, with the top 10 completed by Tekno Autosports’ Will Davison and David Reynolds (Erebus Motorsport).

Brad Jones Racing heads into qualifying with all three cars showing pace with Nick Percat and Tim Blanchard narrowly outside of the Top 10.

Chaz Mostert was unable to replicate the pace he showed on Friday after a mistake on his final hot lap saw him remain in 16th spot.

“I have no idea (how much time lost with off at last corner),” said Mostert.

“It was only practice. Obviously you try to do your best lap and just the car didn’t feel quite great today.

“I think it was more how I warmed my tyres up, didn’t get the most amount of heat into them, so overall I won’t look into this session.

“I’ll just think about yesterday and the car still feels reasonably close.”

The Supercars field will return for a 20 minute qualifying at 1335 before a 31 lap race on 1625 AEST.

Results: Practice 3, Red Rooster Sydney Super Sprint