Stone Brothers Racing Bathurst practice notes

David Besnard fifth fastest in Bathurst practice.

Stone Brothers Racing's David Besnard has had a terrific start in his quest to win this weekend's B ob Jane T-Marts 10000 by finishing fifth in today's only practice session.

Besnard clocked a time of two minutes and 11.6062 seconds on his eighth and final lap on old tyres in his Caltex Havoline Falcon.

The effort has laid a solid foundation for the rest of the weekend which continues with qualifying tomorrow and a top 15 shootout on Saturday.

"It is certainly pleasing to be this high up the order this early in proceedings," said Besnard.

"We did that time on ordinary tyres so I guess there is plenty left.

"The car is far from perfect and I guess we would be disappointed if it was. We will keep working on it and hopefully we will have a solid car for qualifying tomorrow.

"I had a small spin at Murray's Corner after locking up the rears, but just turned it around and kept on going.

"Wayne did a solid time and we seem to agree on all the changes we are making to the car."

Gardner did seven timed laps and clocked a time of two minutes and 13.3 seconds.

"I think I am heading into Bathurst with my best car ever," said Gardner.

"David and SBR have done a great job this season.

"I drove this car at the start of the year and it has come a long, long way.

"I am really looking forward to the weekend."

There will be a one-hour practice session in the morning followed by a 45-minute qualifying session for the top and bottom 50% of the field.

BOB JANE T-MARTS 1000 MT PANORAMA, BATHURST PRACTICE TIMES
1: Jason Bright/ Tomas Mezera (Holden) 2:10.3921
2: Mark Skaife/Jim Richards (Holden) 2:10.7325
3: Glenn Seton/Owen Kelly (Ford) 2:11.2809
4: Larry Perkins/Paul Dumbrell (Holden) 2:11.5794
5: David Besnard/Wayne Gardner (Ford) 2: 11.6062
6: Greg Murphy/Todd Kelly (Holden) 2:11.7826
7: Marcos Ambrose/Paul Weel (Ford) 2:11.8392
8: Steve Richards/Russell Ingall (Holden) 2:11.9338
9: Tony Longhurst/Matthew White (Ford) 2:12.0157
10: Mark Larkham/Will Power (Ford) 2:12.0467

-sbr-