Reigning Supercars series champion Shane van Gisbergen has registered the fastest practice time at the Gold Coast 500 as he looks to maintain pressure on championship leader Brodie Kostecki.
Fresh off a third career win at Bathurst earlier this month, van Gisbergen improved on his morning practice laps to set the pace ahead of qualifying and two endurance races this weekend.
The New Zealander trails Kostecki by 131 points on the standings, with 600 points on offer across Saturday and Sunday's 250km events.
Should van Gisbergen taste success at the Surfers Paradise circuit, a fight for the title could go down to the final round in Adelaide next month.
"Championship wise, it’s obviously a close one but Brodie has to have a problem during the races for us to be in with a chance, and that’s not something I’d wish upon anyone," van Gisbergen said.
"I just need to do my best, be up the front every race and score as many points as possible.
"Hopefully we go to Adelaide on Sunday with a chance, but he still has a pretty decent lead.”
Red Bull Ampol Racing have tasted glory in the last four races on the usually sunny Gold Coast streets, with van Gisbergen winning both races in 2022.
But drivers braved windy and wet conditions on Friday as they fine-tuned their setups for what's expected to be a gruelling couple of days.
Chaz Mostert finished second fastest in P2 with Jack Le Brocq third. Team 18's Scott Pye found himself in the top five in P2 after going quickest in the morning.
Series leader Kostecki placed middle of the pack in 11th and 12th across the two 30-minute sessions.
Both sessions were the first chance for Mustang drivers to test their cars following a recently conducted parity review.
Adjustments to the Mustangs this week included changes to their rear wing, side skirt, and front fascia elements to reduce drag and redistribute downforce to the rear of the car.
Qualifying for Saturday's race begins at 12.35pm (AEDT) followed by a top ten shootout at 2.05pm (AEDT).
Race 25 of the season is scheduled for 4.45pm (AEDT).
PRACTICE TWO RESULTS:
1. Shane van Gisbergen (Red Bull Ampol Racing) 1:10.667
2. Chaz Mostert (Walkinshaw Andretti United) +0.197
3. Jack Le Brocq (Truck Assist Racing) +0.292
4. Scott Pye (Team 18) +0.304
5. Cam Waters (Monster Energy Racing) +0.307
