Winterbottom fastest in rain hit final practice

Mark Winterbottom ended up with the fastest time in Practice 3 at Phillip Island after a late rain shower robbed the field of a new tyre run ahead of qualifying.

The 15 minute hit-out was run under dark skies, which eventually delivered a light shower just as the field were starting their qualifying simulation runs.

That left Winterbottom’s earlier 1:31.32s used tyre time unbeaten until the chequered flag.

“We went out on used tyres initially and although the track was in better condition I felt we’d made good inroads with the car,” said Winterbottom.

“I was excited for that happy hour with new tyres on but we just didn’t get the run before the rain.

“I think our car is close, but we’ll just look outside and pray that it’s dry in qualifying.”

The Triple Eight Holdens of Shane van Gisbergen, Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes filled second through fourth on the timesheets.

Whincup went quickest to the second sector in the closing stages but could not maintain the pace as the track condition worsened.

“It was good through the first half of the lap so we got a good read on the car, but it was just too wet around the back to finish the lap,” said Whincup.

“I think we’re there or thereabouts.”

Rick Kelly, Scott McLaughlin, James Moffat, Michael Caruso, Fabian Coulthard and Scott Pye completed the top 10.

Further showers are predicted for Phillip Island throughout the afternoon, where the V8 Supercars will complete a 15 minute qualifying session and 120km race.

Result: V8 Supercars WD-40 Phillip Island Super Sprint Practice 3