Winton V8s: Slade sets record pace in FP1

The Brad Jones Racing Holden driver made the best of the rapidly quickening track at the end of the first 60-minute session, improving from a 1m20.260s to a 1m19.243s on his final run.

That time is comfortably a new practice lap record at Winton, with the Top 5 all going under the former benchmark time thanks to the new surface.

“I think on new tyres you’ll get another chunk of time,” said Slade.

“It feels amazing out there. It’s good fun, it encourages you to keep pushing because there is plenty of grip on offer.

“It’s early days, our Practice 1 championship is looking good this year. We’ll see what pans out.”

Prodrive’s Cam Waters was second fastest, having popped up in P1 with a 1m19.392s with eight minutes to go before slipping down behind Slade at the flag.

“It’s nice. We roll out, and the car is actually pretty good,” he said.

“It’s nice to be second, hopefully we can stay there across the weekend.”

Volvo’s Scott McLaughlin was third fastest, his 1m19.438s coming with four minutes of the session to go, while James Courtney jumped 12 spots at the flag to finish P4.

Van Gisbergen was fifth fastest despite going off at Turn 3 right after setting his best time.

Todd Kelly was sixth for Nissan, Garth Tander seventh having been fastest three-quarters of the way through the session, with Dale Wood eighth.

Jamie Whincup and Chaz Mostert rounded out the Top 10.

Rick Kelly had a troubled session; after running inside the Top 4 early on the Nissan driver was left stranded in the garage thanks a clutch issue. He ultimately wound up 20th.

It wasn’t all smoothing sailing for Craig Lowndes either, the veteran even spinning inside the last 10 minutes. He was just 22nd fastest.