Scott McLaughlin believes he has a car underneath him to perform at The Bend Motorsport Park but needs ‘give himself a kick up the backside’ to hook a lap together in Armor All qualifying.

The championship leader has so far struggled to threaten the top of the times as the Shell V-Power Racing driver adjusts to the new fast and technical 4.95km South Australian circuit.

McLaughlin improved by 0.5s from his disappointing Friday showing to finish this morning’s practice in 12th position, which arrived after his team made plenty of changes to his Falcon overnight.

His run was not without issue after encountering two off-track excursions while attempting to test the limits of the circuit.

Heading into Armor All Qualifying, the Kiwi, who was 0.7s shy of the outright pace, is confident the lap time is in the car.

“I just need to put it together. I think the car’s not too bad, I’m just trying a few things driving wise and overdriving in some aspects, so I need to have probably another little think about it,” said McLaughlin.

“I don’t reckon I’ve put a perfect lap together all weekend, or a decent lap, so I need to give myself a kick up the backside.

“It’s a tough circuit and definitely places where you need to under drive in areas, and I’ve certainly I’ve found out every place where you can underdrive and overdrive.

“Hopefully we can lock it down in qualifying.”

McLaughlin’s team-mate Fabian Coulthard produced a far better display compared to yesterday, as he ended up 16th fastest in a session topped by Brad Jones Racing’s Nick Percat.

Armor All qualifying, which will set the grid for the maiden Supercars race at The Bend Motorsport Park, will begin at 1315 local time.