A blistering effort from Shane van Gisbergen was enough to knock off the Shell V-Power Fords and secure ARMOR ALL Pole Position for Race 2 at the Clipsal 500.
Again the last out in the Top 10 Shootout after topping qualifying, Van Gisbergen’s 1:19.7545s proved 0.0271s quicker than Fabian Coulthard’s previous benchmark.
The result marks the second ARMOR ALL Pole Award in as many days for Van Gisbergen, who went on to take a commanding victory in yesterday’s opening 250km race.
“The car was really good at the start of the lap and at the end it went off,” said Van Gisbergen.
“But I think we got enough time at the start which was awesome.
“The Fords are putting the pressure on, they’ve been fast all week.
“We’re up front, in the hunt and looking forward to the battle.”
Qualifying and finishing second to Van Gibsergen yesterday, Coulthard said he had to work harder for the same result today.
“It was a little bit scrappy by my standards,” he said.
“It wasn’t as comfortable as yesterday but it wasn’t too bad.
“The car’s not quite as direct at the front, we don’t have as good brake and trail to the apex as what I was after.”
Scott McLaughlin will start from third in the second of the Shell V-Power entries alongside Prodrive Ford driver Chaz Mostert.
James Courtney impressed in the final sector of the lap to secure fifth place alongside last year’s winner Nick Percat who grazed his mirror going through turn eight.
“The speed through turn eight this year is unbelievable,” beamed Percat after his lap. “It’s so much fun. I love this car.”
Prodrive’s Cameron Waters continued to impress this weekend qualifying seventh ahead of Garry Rogers Motorsport veteran Garth Tander.
The Holden driver reported his previous best qualifying times were on the third lap of his stint, leaving him impressed with his 1:20.7518s effort.
Tim Slade and Jamie Whincup will start from the fifth row after errors cost the pair in the session.
The Freightliner Racing driver overcooked his entrance into turn four on his lap, spearing into the run-off area.
Jamie Whincup lost his chance at pole after a kerb strike at the opening chicane, moving him to the final place in the shootout.
The six-time champion had been the second last to run after an improved qualifying showing this morning.
“We’ve improved the car heaps today and unfortunately we’ll be at the back of the 10,” he said.
“We didn’t need that. I’m pretty pissed off with myself but we’ll see if we can make up some spots in the race.”
The 250km Race 2 will get underway at 3:20pm local time.
