Eastern Creek practice notes

NOSKE'S FERRARI FASTEST IN SPECTACULAR GTP NATIONS FIELD AT EASTERN CREEK FERRARI driver Mark Noske established himself as the man to beat in round two of the Century Batteries GTP Nations Cup after topping official practice sessions at Sydney's ...

NOSKE'S FERRARI FASTEST IN SPECTACULAR GTP NATIONS FIELD AT EASTERN CREEK

FERRARI driver Mark Noske established himself as the man to beat in round two of the Century Batteries GTP Nations Cup after topping official practice sessions at Sydney's Eastern Creek circuit today.

Noske, points leader in the Meguiar's Top Marques Drivers Championship, drove his $350,000 machine around the 3.93 km track in 1 minute 37.54 seconds, bettering last year's qualifying record by 1.5 seconds.

Defending GTP champion Jim Richards was second-fastest today in a Porsche 911 GT3, followed by Peter Fitzgerald in a similar car.

Paul Stokell, winner of the inaugural GTP Nations Cup race in Adelaide three weeks ago, was surprised to be only fourth in his V12-engined Lamborghini SVR.

"We expected to do well at this circuit, but we'll go better tomorrow," Stokell said.

The GTP Nations Cup field this weekend comprises 20 ultra-performance G= T production cars, including some spectacular newcomers.

V8 Supercar expert Terry Finnigan is driving a unique BMW Z3 V8, while Ian Palmer debuts a supercharged Brabham-Honda NSX.

Finnigan complained of wheelspin - at 230 kmh! - in turn one, but said his new car showed strong potential.

Japanese driver Takeshi Nakamaru joined the series in a Porsche 911 GT3, stepping up to the 300 kmh German thoroughbred from a Lotus.

<pre> RESULTS: 1. Mark Noske (Ferrari F360 Challenge) 1:37.54 2. Jim Richards (Porsche 911 GT3) 1:38.15 3. Peter Fitzgerald (Porsche 911 GT3) 1:38.85 3. Paul Stokell (Lamborghini Diablo SVR) 1:39.37 5. Peter Bradbury (Porsche 911 GT3) 1:39.55 6. Greg Keene (Porsche 911 GT3) 1:40.44

TIMETABLE: Sat. 10.50 am - practice, 4.10 pm - qualifying. Sun. 1.10 pm, 2.50 pm - race (9 laps each).