Caruso tops opening Supercars practice

Michael Caruso put Nissan Motorsport on top in the opening Supercars practice session at the Red Rooster Sydney Super Sprint.

Caruso produced strong pace straight out of the box moving to the top of the times early in the session, which was affected by blustery conditions at the 3.93km Western Sydney venue.

The Nissan Motorsport driver briefly surrendered the position to DJR Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin before Caruso responded with a faster time before recording a 1:29.96s to end up on top.

Caruso was the only driver to dip into the 1:29s bracket during the 45 minute session.

McLaughlin was Caruso’s nearest rival albeit 0.37s shy, while Red Bull’s Jamie Whincup was third.

“There’s still a bit to try and obviously our next session we’ll try to improve, but the wind around here’s crazy, particularly on my very first lap,” said Caruso.

“I came down the (main) straight and I didn’t even get into sixth gear and I said, ‘Is there something wrong with our engine?’ and our engineer said, ‘Nah, mate, there’s a pretty big headwind.’ So, it’s a challenge but it’s one that we need to tackle.

“We might be on top but I’m sure when everybody has a decent crack at it next session we’ll know where we are.”

Tim Slade was fourth fastest in the #14 Brad Jones Racing Commodore ahead of Fabian Coulthard in the sister DJR Team Penske Falcon.

Queensland Raceway winner Chaz Mostert was the top Prodrive driver in sixth ahead of Erebus Motorsport’s David Reynolds.

The top 10 was completed by Cameron Waters (Prodrive), Lee Holdsworth (Preston Hire Racing) and Mobil 1 HSV Racing’s Scott Pye, who was without a set of green practice tyres.

Mark Winterbottom, who is adopting Mostert’s set-up this weekend, was 11th while reigning champion Shane van Gisbrgen could only manage 14th ahead of James Moffat and Simona de Silvestro.

Will Davison’s session came to a premature end when his Lightning McQueen liveried Tekno Autosports Holden developed a steering rack issue.

“Lightning was a bit cranky this morning he hasn’t woken up too well, it has been a rough start for the young fella,” said Davison.

“We have got a problem with the steering rack so we have got to change it.”

The Supercars field will return for second 45 minute practice session from 1530 local time.

Results: Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Red Rooster Sydney Super Sprint Practice 1