Volvo tops Erebus E63s in practice

Scott McLaughlin is showing his Townsville speed, topping the first hour-long practice session at the Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint.

The Volvo driver asked for more rear grip early in the session but found his way to a 1min10.0563 on the soft compound Dunlop tyre.

McLaughlin's time was just 0.1658sec quicker than Erebus rookie Ash Walsh -who used a rookie test day at this circuit last week, and is working with new engineer Richard Harris this weekend - with Will Davison home in third.

"The car felt good on both compounds which is important with this format. It was good, I've always liked this track, simple on paper but technical when you get out there - it's pretty cool," McLaughlin said.

"My biggest problem is the bumps as well. When you tip it into one there's a big bump and it can help you but it can hinder you as well. You have to make sure you get through there quickest and it worked well then."

The Prodrive Racing Australia Falcons held the top spots for a time, but the highest placed FG X was Chaz Mostert, with DJR Team Penske's Scott Pye close behind in fifth.

Todd Kelly and his Nissan Altima were sixth, and with Lee Holdsworth the first of the Holdens home, he ensured all five manufacturers were represented in the top 10.

Defending Champion Jamie Whincup was the second Holden in 12th, with Craig Lowndes 15th. Michael Caruso, in the Nissan Altima that topped the additional driver practice, came home 19th.

Click here for full results.

Another hour-long session remains at the Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint.