Whincup edges Lowndes in final practice

Red Bull Racing Australia duo Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes showed the way in the final practice session before qualifying at the Sandown 500.

While co-drivers all completed at least one lap in the remaining 27 cars, Whincup had the #1 Holden to himself throughout the 40 minutes as he continued to chase set-up with his new chassis.

The points leader sat at the top of the order for much of the session, becoming the first to lap in the 1:08s bracket with 12 minutes remaining.

Lowndes and the Holden Racing Team’s Garth Tander subsequently took turns at the top during the closing stages, before a last effort completed after the chequered flag put Whincup ahead by just 0.003s.

Tim Slade continued Erebus Motorsport’s strong form by splitting Lowndes and Tander with a similarly late lap.

Will Davison, Lee Holdsworth and Mark Winterbottom completed the top seven; all of whom went faster than Lowndes’ new practice record from Friday.

Practice 4 was interrupted by a single red flag period, called after just eight minutes to retrieve the #17 Dick Johnson Racing Falcon that Ashley Walsh had buried in the Turn 9 gravel.

The V8 Supercars will return to the circuit for a 20 minute qualifying session at 1225 local time.

See below for the full Practice 4 result