Russell tops Tander & Stanaway in co-driver practice

David Russell, the driving partner of Supercars Championship leader Brodie Kostecki, set the fastest time in this evening’s practice for the Bathurst 1000, run exclusively by co-drivers.

Russell’s 2:05.6826, set midway through the session, bettered defending champion Garth Tander, who partners David Reynolds, by over six-tenths of a second and was the fastest time set by any Supercars driver over the day.

Richie Stanaway, partnering with Shane van Gisbergen, set the timing screens alive early, eventually dropping to third with a 2:06.3842, seven-tenths off the time of Russell.

Kai Allen (Simona de Silvestro) jumped to fourth after the chequered flag fell, bettering Super2 rival Zane Goddard, Sandown 500 winner Jamie Whincup and 2004 Porsche Carrera Cup champion Alex Davison, respectively.

Kiwi Fabian Coulthard (Nick Percat) was 14th, with a best time of 2:07.2275, while compatriot Jaxon Evans (Jack Smith) was 22nd.

Kevin Estre (Matt Payne) ran for an extended opening stint before setting fast laps as the session drew to a close, jumping to 19th.

Andre Heimgartner’s driving partner, Dale Wood, went 24th fastest.

Dean Fiore (Bryce Fullwood) became the first victim of the unforgiving circuit this weekend, locking up at the final turn and running into the tyres 10 minutes into the session.

His car required removal from the barrier, which caused a ten-minute red flag delay.

Supercars return to action with two practice sessions (12.00 pm and 3.05 pm) on Friday, ahead of qualifying that evening (6.15 pm).

Bathurst 1000 Practice 2 results

Header Image: Erebus Racing