McLaughlin takes pole for Volvo

Scott McLaughlin has returned Volvo to the front with a stunning 1min13.411 lap in the ARMOR ALL Top 10 Shootout at the Castrol EDGE Townville 400.

The p1 start is McLaughlin's first since Sydney Olympic Park last year, which tied him on 10 pole positions for 2014 with Jamie Whincup. He now lines up with 2015's most consistent qualifier Chaz Mostert alongside.

McLaughlin was seventh out on track, after his Wilson Security GRM team completed a precautionary engine change between sessions. He finished yesterday's 200km race fourth.

Championship leader Mark Winterbottom slipped back to fifth in the order, with Shane van Gisbergen and David Reynolds nabbing second row starts.

"That's awesome doing the shootout," McLaughlin said.

"The boys gave me a great car and we had a great strategy for the shootout... the team has stuck by me and fixed all my issues, everything I've been complaining about. They're the best crew and I'm so happy."

Fabian Coulthard will line up sixth alongside Kiwi countryman and rookie Andre Heimgartner, with Todd Kelly, Lee Holdsworth and Will Davison completing the top 10. Click here for full shootout results.

Qualifying determined the rest of the grid earlier today, with shock results showing both Red Bull and Holden Racing Team Commodores outside of the top 10.

The 200km race begins at 4.15pm EST.