Frosty fastest as pace quickens in final practice

Mark Winterbottom led a Ford trifecta at the top of the time sheets as record times continued in final V8 Supercars practice at Winton.

The reigning champion’s 1:19.05s best proved 0.2s quicker than Tim Slade’s best from Friday at the resurfaced venue.

Nissan’s Michael Caruso led the way in the 15 minute session ahead of the final 60 seconds, which saw Scott McLaughlin and then Winterbottom improve the benchmark.

“It was a big change from yesterday,” smiled Winterbottom.

“I hated the car yesterday but the guys worked hard over night and the car felt really nice.

“I got held up by (James) Moffat on my lap so I think there’s more in it.

“I think we could get down to an 18.7 or 8 in qualifying, but even if we’re doing 25s we just want to be quickest.”

Scott Pye and Fabian Coulthard slotted into second and third respectively in the dying seconds, albeit 0.2s and 0.3s adrift of Winterbottom respectively.

“The track was extremely different to yesterday,” said Pye.

“We didn’t change that much overnight because the track was so hit and miss.

“So far so good, but I think there’ll be 18s in qualifying so we need to step it up again.”

McLaughlin ended up fourth ahead of Chris Pither, Caruso, Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup, Slade and Chaz Mostert.

Nick Percat failed to complete a lap after engine problems struck his Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport Holden.

Officials elected against installing a tyre bundle at Turn 8 to combat debris on the circuit this morning, instead sweeping the apexes of several corners.

Qualifying will take place from 1320 local time.

Result: Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Woodstock Winton Super Sprint Practice 3