Phillip Island V8s: McLaughlin smashes lap record in FP2

The Volvo driver wasted little time getting down to business, going quickest before the half-way mark with a 1m31.333s.

Then, as that time began to run out of steam as the pace quickened in the last five minutes, McLaughlin rocketed back to the top with a 1m30.391s – a lap that not only gapped the field by more than six-tenths, but comprehensively beat the existing practice and qualifying records.

“The temperature is pretty good for that sort of stuff,” said McLaughlin.

“The car is great. We’ve just stuck to our plan the whole time. I wish it was qualifying, but oh well.”

Fabian Coulthard was second fastest, having found four-tenths on his final run. Red Bull Racing Australia driver Shane van Gisbergen, meanwhile, made it an all-New Zealand 1-2-3, his 1m31.056s having been the fastest time three minutes from the end.

Rick Kelly led the way for Nissan in P4, with Will Davison, James Courtney, Mark Winterbottom, Cam Waters, and Scott Pye all improving late to fill spots fifth to ninth.

James Moffat rounded out the Top 10, despite two trips through the gravel at Southern Loop.

The biggest surprise of the session was Jamie Whincup, who was just 19th fastest. The Triple Eight driver had been on for a much improved final run, but a mistake in the final sector cost him dearly.