How many drivers can go under the existing lap record as temperatures edge toward 30 degrees Celsius? The answer at Hampton Downs today was emphatic: half the field and more.

The 22-strong Toyota Racing Series field were on track three times today, and each time significant numbers went under the existing mark of 1:01.864 set by Mitch Evans in 2010.

In the first – and coolest – session this morning, Singapore’s Andrew Tang was quickest of all with 1:00.836, more than a minute under the record. The top 16 racers in the field all went under the existing mark. Full session one times are at http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2013/08/R4-Friday-Session-1.pdf

In the second session Russian racer Egor Orudzhev was fastest with 1:01.228. Andrew Tang was second fastest on 1:01.315 and again the top 16 were all under the existing record. Full session two times are at: http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2013/08/R4-Friday-Session-2.pdf

Then in late afternoon as temperatures peaked and the wind died away, UK driver Jann Mardenborough (pictured) went 1:00.559, fastest for the day. Close behind was Martin Rump – both drivers racing with Giles Motorsport. The 2014 rookie and current championship leader posted 1:00.897. Third fastest in that session was Invercargill’s Damon Leitch on 1:01.050. Seventeen racers went under the record. Full session three times are at http://www.toyotaracing.co.nz/wp-content/themes/TRS/uploads/2013/08/R4-Friday-Session-3.pdf

The racers return to the track tomorrow for qualifying at 11.00 am.