Shane van Gisbergen has thrown down the gauntlet to series leader Brodie Kostecki after posting the fastest practice time at a wet Gold Coast 500.
Kostecki, who holds a 131-point championship lead over reigning champion van Gisbergen with just two rounds to go, could only manage 12th in the second practice ahead of Saturday’s qualifying and shootout.
But the most impressive effort of Friday belonged to Erebus Motorsport’s Will Brown who has returned to racing just 18 days after back surgery.
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Brown, who sits third in the championship race, confirmed he underwent a discectomy after the Bathurst 1000 as he battled back and leg pain for the past 10 months.
“It was a big effort to get the surgery done,” he told Fox Motorsport.
“It’s not back to 100 per cent the actual wound where they’ve cut, but I’ve definitely relieved a lot of pain down my leg.
“Not 100 per cent, but it’s still a lot better than it was so pretty happy about that.”
Brown had been third fastest in the first practice before a spin in the second session – alongside Red Bull Racing’s Broc Feeney, saw him end up eighth fastest.
Eight teams were represented in the top 10, with Chaz Mostert jumping up into second late in the session.
Van Gisbergen said he was happy to have early car speed on a weekend where he needs points to stay in touch with Kostecki.
And the reigning champion refused to believe his title tilt was over before he leaves the series for Nascar in the US next year.
“All the plans went out the window when it rained 30 seconds before it got going,” van Gisbergen said of the second practice.
“Brodie has to have a problem (for the series race to stay alive) – I’m not going to wish that upon anyone.
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“I need to do my best… score as many points as possible.
“Hopefully we go to Adelaide Sunday with a chance.
“He’s got a pretty decent lead.”
The first practice session had to be cut short under red flag conditions due to issues with the track surface.
A part of the kerb was dislodged, with crews later working on Friday night to try and rectify the issue ahead of Saturday’s action.
Saturday’s qualifying begins from 11.35am local time before the top 10 shootout from 1.05pm.
The first 250km race of the weekend will then run from 3.45pm on the Surfers Paradise street circuit.
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