Former dual champion Will Davison has topped the timesheets in Saturday’s opening practice session for the Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama.
Holden star Davison clocked two minutes, 4.75 seconds in the 30-minute session as the 26-strong field got in precious track time before Sunday’s Great Race.
Provisional pole sitter Scott McLaughlin did not feature in practice but his Ford co-driver Alex Premat impressed, finishing fifth fastest.
The session was largely drama-free as teams opted to practice pit stops in the 30-minute window.
IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe provided the only anxious moment when he clipped the wall at The Cutting with five minutes left in the session.
Hinchcliffe – who received a wildcard entry with fellow IndyCar driver Alex Rossi to drive with Holden’s Walkinshaw Andretti United – believed the rear damage to his Commodore was not serious.
« I am just starting to push in places we didn’t really feel comfortable pushing up until this point, just got away from me and tagged the wall, » Hinchcliffe said.
« I hate to lose the track time for me and the team, but I think it’s relatively cosmetic stuff, well get it fixed up for this afternoon.
« (But) I am actually getting a lot more comfortable in the car, Alex and I both. »
Another 30-minute practice session will be held from 1245 (AEDT).
The top-10 shootout – which decides pole position for Sunday’s Great Race – will be held from 1705 AEDT.
http://www.espn.com/v8-supercars/story/_/id/27823944/davison-fastest-bathurst-practice
