Mostert steals provisional pole, van Gisbergen 25th

Chaz Mostert has stolen Race 33 provisional pole, with Shane van Gisbergen 25th and last due to an error.

Van Gisbergen loomed to clock the fastest time before he fired off at the last corner.

The champion-elect was forced to check up before he rejoined the circuit, and was unable to improve.

As a result, van Gisbergen not only missed a Shootout berth, but will start last for Saturday’s race.

It was a far better outcome for Mostert, who dropped in a 1:18.676s to claim provisional pole.

Anton De Pasquale held sway prior to Mostert’s flyer, with Scott Pye an impressive third for Team 18.

The top nine drivers dipped below the morning’s lap record, which had been set by van Gisbergen.

Mostert set the lap carrying the 1990 Holden Racing Team livery, with HRT winning the very first Adelaide 500 in 1999.

The two-time Bathurst winner drew inspiration from the livery to end Friday as fastest of all.

“It’s pretty emotional, being the last weekend for Holden,” said Mostert, who fist-pumped when he took top spot.

“Any time you can top a session in Supercars, it’s always exhilarating.

“I’m proud of the team, we’ve been chasing the car since the first practice session yesterday.

“We stuck to our guns, kept making the car better and better, and it was fast enough to top the session.”

A 1:19,261s by Will Davison was the early benchmark, with Anton De Pasquale making it a Shell V-Power one-two.

As the sun set over Adelaide, the UV dropped — and so did the lap times.

Cam Waters was first into the 1:18s barrier with a 1:18.970s.

Local driver Pye, who took an Adelaide pole in 2016, fired to second with a 1:18.823s.

Van Gisbergen ranged to go fastest of all, but ran long into the grass at the final corner.

The #97 Commodore was forced to wait as drivers came around the turn, and van Gisbergen had no momentum to the line when he rejoined.

As the chequered flag flew, van Gisbergen remained 25th and last — his worst ever Adelaide qualifying result.

His previous worst was 23rd while driving for Stone Brothers Racing in 2011.

James Courtney jumped to fourth ahead of Waters, David Reynolds, James Golding, Andre Heimgartner, Todd Hazelwood and Thomas Randle.

Davison was 0.585s off the pace but just 0.06s outside the top 10 in 15th.

Cars will hit the track on Saturday for Practice 3 at 11:00am local time, followed by the ARMOR ALL Top Ten Shootout at 12:35pm.

The first 78-lap race, Race 33 of the 2022 season, will commence at 3:15pm.