Seven-time Townsville race winner Jamie Whincup has fired a warning at the field, topping today’s second 40-minute practice session.

The Red Bull team had to repair Whincup’s Commodore after hitting the wall in the first session, but the six-time champ rebounded to record the top time.

Whincup’s 1min12.553 lap topped Prodrive’s Chaz Mostert by 0.0645sec, with 2012 Townsville winner Will Davison behind in third.

His teammate Shane van Gisbergen was fast early, but fell to fourth after the fast run in the closing minutes.

“It was not ideal in P1 – Brighty came out the pits getting on with his lap, I was on a quick lap and got caught behind,” Whincup said.

“The guys threw a whole new front end [on] – it did a massive amount of damage believe it or not … the car’s ok, I don’t think anyone really nailed it then but happy to finish the day P1.”

Fabian Coulthard had a big moment early in the session when he struggled to pull up his Hogs Breath Falcon.

Early fast man David Reynolds finished the session fifth, with Scott McLaughlin and last year’s double winner Mark Winterbottom right behind.

It was a tough day for Craig Lowndes who finished 20th.

Click here for full results.

The Supercars qualify tomorrow at 12.55pm local time.

Whincup ends Friday on top at Townsville