Winterbottom takes provisional Sunday pole

Like yesterday, Prodrive Racing Australia dominated the session, Winterbottom ending the session P1 ahead of team-mates Chaz Mostert and David Reynolds. Andre Heimgartner even snuck into the Top 10 with P9, meaning all four PRA cars will be in the Shootout this afternoon.

However, unlike yesterday, not all the fastest times came at the end of the session. While Winterbottom improved on his second run, Mostert didn’t – which ultimately made the difference as Winterbottom took pole by just 0.060s.

“It was an interesting session,” said Winterbottom.

“It normally gets quicker, but it felt like the track lost a little bit. It’s awesome to get in and continue yesterday’s form.”

Scott McLaughlin booked his Shootout spot with P4, ahead of fellow Kiwis Fabian Coulthard and Shane van Gisbergen.

Todd Kelly improved late to put at least one Nissan in the Shootout, ahead of Lee Holdsworth, Heimgartner, and Erebus Mercedes driver Will Davison.

There will be some big names on the sidelines for the Shootout, however, with both Holden Racing Team drivers and both Triple Eight drivers missing out.

Garth Tander and James Courtney will start 11th ad 16th respectively, while Jamie Whincup was just 13th and Craig Lowndes 23rd.

“The car wasn’t flash, I thought I was going to be P20,” said Whincup. “We’re lucky to be in the middle.”

“We’ll sit down and look at it,” added Lowndes. “We’ve got nothing to lose now.”