Coulthard quickest in wet Sandown warm-up

Fabian Coulthard made the best of wet conditions to top the morning warm-up at the Wilson Security Sandown 500.

A wet track greeted the drivers for the start of the warm-up, with drizzle prevailing throughout the 20 minutes.

Times started in the 1:25s before steadily improving. Coulthard’s 1:18.47s best proved 0.7s quicker than second quickest man Matt Campbell.

The performance proved a boost for Coulthard after a frustrating Saturday that sees the #66 DJR Team Penske Ford starting 11th.

“It was relatively easy, I was really happy with the car,” smiled Coulthard.

“It’s surprising because we haven’t driven this car a hell of a lot in the rain.

“If we’ve got a car like that and it rains all day I think we’re in with a shot.

“I just want the weather to be consistent throughout the day so that the race doesn’t become a lottery.”

Rookie Campbell was the star of the session in the #7 Nissan Altima, proving among the pace-setters before handing over to primary driver Todd Kelly.

“Matt hadn’t done any driving in the wet before so we thought we’d leave him in for the whole session,” explained Kelly, who had a late off at Turn 11.

“It wasn’t too long and he was the fastest out there so we thought we’d put me in the car to get a few laps.

“It looks like it might dry out but we’re hoping for rain because we’ve got a good wet car.”

The Scott McLaughlin/David Wall GRM Volvo, David Reynolds/Craig Baird Erebus Holden and Scott Pye/Tony D’Alberto Penske Ford completed the top five.

The warm-up ran green throughout despite several tasting the grass.

Among them was noted wet weather master Shane van Gisbergen, who ran off at Turn 11 before later engaging in a side-to-side duel with compatriot Richie Stanaway on the front straight.

The 161 lap Wilson Security Sandown 500 will get underway at 1315 local time.

Result: Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Wilson Security Sandown 500 Warm-up