Caruso to start from front row for Race 24

Michael Caruso has starred in the second qualifying sessionat the Coates Hire Ipwsich 400, piloting his Nissan to the front rowfor the 100km Race 24.

And the Norton driver admitted it could have been a similar result the first time out, had it not been for driver error in the 10-minute session, leaving him to startfrom 18th for today's earlier race.

"In the first qualifying session I made a bit of a mistake and I felt like we could have achieved a similar lap time," he told v8supercars.com.au.

"The great thing is that we continue to progress forward on my car and at a circuit the team didn't think that they had an opportunity at. But I have been keeping my words to myself and continue to work hard."

Caruso said he was happy with the car, but wasn't making any bold predictions for the coming races. He expected a hard fight today, with the field separated by under one second across the two sessions.

"Everyone will just be (in) an all out brawl in the first two races and go for it... The category is so close at the moment and competitive, so the further up you qualify it gives you a big helping hand. But it's a long way to go - 35 laps - we'll put our focus on the race and hopefully stay up there."

Caruso managed pole position at the Rolex Australian Grand Prix, but until today seventh (twice) has been his best Championship start of the year.

He agreed conditions at the Ipswich circuit could change ahead of the afternoon's race.

"It'll be interesting because it's obviously going to heat up a little bit this afternoon and that will obviously affect the track.

"It'll be interesting to see how we do ... there are no expectations, to be honest.

"We definitely didn't think we could be on the front so we just need to continue to work hard and the results will come, I'm sure."

The first session saw the Red Bulls lock out the front row, with the highest placed Nissan Todd Kelly in 12.

But the second time out proved the charm, with a 1min09.3315 lap just 0.04 off the top time set by Scott McLaughlin.

Race 23 kicks off at 2.25pm AEST, and Race 24 at 4.30pm, with the Dunlop Series' first race of the weekend between the two.