Mostert sets threatening pace

Defending Bathurst Champion Chaz Mostert has come out firing, setting the fastest time in first practice at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

His 2min06.3223 sent an ominous message to competitors, with the closest car Prodrive teammate David Reynolds 1.05sec adrift.

It's an indication the V8 Supercars will be quick this weekend, with the top time around two seconds quicker than last year's practice times.

The session went red just eight minutes in with Garth Tander's Holden Racing Team Commodore beached at turn one.

Rick Kelly was quickest in the Nissan early on, with all primary drivers starting and running for the majority of the 45-minute session. The next run is restricted to co-drivers only.

Tander wasn't the only one to have a little slip up, with Tim Blanchard causing the next red flag period at turn one 31 minutes into the session.

He has damaged front and rear suspension after clipping the wall, with the team working hurriedly to repair the CoolDrive Commodore.

Craig Lowndes had a spin at The Chase, with Tim Slade crossing to the grass to avoid the Red Bull Commodore and avert disaster.

Shane van Gisbergen in the Darrell Lea STIX Commodore was third fastest, with James Moffat and Scott McLaughlin rounding up the top five.

Dean Canto (55), Alex Premat (33), Marcos Ambrose (17), Steve Owen (5) and Sebastien Bourdais (18) had quick hitouts to warm up for their sessions.

The wild cards were at the rear of the field, with Aaren Russell 24th and Simona De Silvestro 26th.

Click here for full results.

Stay tuned for the second session at 1.20pm.