Wall tops opening V8 practice

The Volvo driver popped up late in the session, putting together an impressive run on a set of used soft tyres to bag top spot with a 1m30.532s.

“We put a pair of softs on at the end. They were by no means that great, I was a bit surprised by the time actually,” said Wall.

“The car was pretty good on the hard as well, which is pleasing.”

Jamie Whincup was second fastest for Triple Eight, despite a small off 24 minutes into the session, while Ash Walsh was the best of the Erebus Mercedes in third.

Chaz Mostert led the way for Prodrive with the fourth fastest time, ahead of Wall’s team-mate Scott McLaughlin and Nissan driver Rick Kelly.

David Reynolds, Mark Winterbottom, Scott Pye, and James Moffat rounded out the Top 10.

Shane van Gisbergen had a wild session, spending almost as much off the track as on it. Despite the numerous offs he still managed to be 11th fastest,.

“I’m trying pretty hard,” he said. “The car is pretty ugly. We’re trying a whole lot of things, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to drive it slower.

“The car is getting better, but it’s just so hard to drive. Any time you’re braking it’s loose, get in the corner it understeers. It seems to be a trait of the Holdens this year.”