Nissan Motorsport endurance co-drivers Taz Douglas and Daniel Gaunt have shown the way in the opening Dunlop Series practice session of the weekend at Barbagallo.

An early 58.04s lap saw Gaunt’s Eggleston Motorsport Holden on top for much of the session, before Douglas (Image Racing Ford) went 0.04s quicker with just three minutes remaining.

Dale Wood survived an early off at the final corner to end up third quickest, just 0.05s further adrift.

The MW Motorsport Ford driver was one of many not to improve in the second half of the session as tyre condition played its usual role in proceedings.

Ash Walsh, Cameron Waters, Kristian Lindbom, Geoff Emery, Garry Jacobson and Rodney Jane filled fourth through ninth, with new MW Motorsport recruit Steve Owen, completing the top 10.

Casey Stoner steadily improved his times throughout the 40 minutes to be 13th quickest at the flag, just 0.65s from the pace.

One second separated Douglas’ fastest time with that of 18th placed man Jack Perkins, who enjoyed his first run in the #54 Eggleston Holden.

The session ran green for its duration despite several drivers running through the sand trap at Turn 1.

A second 40 minute practice session for the Dunlop Series will get underway at 1400 local time.

See below for the full Practice 1 result