SVG's 'painful' admission after Sandown practice
Shane van Gisbergen has admitted he is still in pain despite managing to complete Practice 1 at the Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint.
Van Gisbergen, who underwent surgery on a broken collarbone on March 6, recorded the eighth quickest time in the 30-minute morning session.
The Red Bull Ampol Racing driver was the pace-setter through the opening half of the session with a 1:08.5061s, which was topped by teammate Jamie Whincup.
Van Gisbergen readies for first practice
The 2016 series champion was shuffled down to eighth following a late flurry of times, with Whincup leading five Ford Mustangs on the time sheets.
Van Gisbergen’s injury cloud has taken up much of the lead-in to Sandown, and after the session, he conceded he is feeling the brunt of the injury.
Notably, the 42-time race winner suggested he is also suffering pain in his ribs, which has been exacerbated by Sandown’s significant kerbs.
The Kiwi set the eighth quickest time
"I just, on the out lap, hit the Turn 2 kerb and it was either going to be good or not,” said van Gisbergen, who completed 14 laps in the session after clearing medical assessments.
"It’s painful, but I can get around.
"It’s as I hoped, so I can drive and I’m not thinking about the pain.
"It’s hurting the ribs a bit but I’m driving with a clear head, which is good."
The Kiwi provides feedback mid-session
Van Gisbergen will return to the track for Practice 2 from 11:30 AEDT.
ARMOR ALL Qualifying will follow at 1:45pm ahead of the 36-lap Race 3 at 4:45pm.
The Repco Supercars Championship field has returned to Victoria this weekend at the Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint. Tickets are on sale now.
The event will be broadcast live on Foxtel and will be streamed on Kayo. Check out the full weekend schedule here.
