With track temperatures reaching over 40 degrees at Sandown International Raceway, TeamVodafone struggled to combat tyre degradation
throughout today’s practice sessions.

Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes got their first hit-out on the 3.1km track during the third V8 practice session but wrestled with a gusty tailwind which proved troublesome for the duo.

With the extremely hot conditions literally melting the Dunlop soft tyres, the series points leader finished the session ninth while his team-mate and championship rival Lowndes ended the session 13th.

Whincup posted the third fastest lap time of the final session before his tyres went off and ended the day in an overall position of fifth.

Lowndes continued to struggle throughout the final session, posting the 12th fastest lap and ending the day 14th on combined results.

Saturday’s on-track activities will see the V8 Supercars qualify for Race 25 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at 11.15am (AEDST) followed by the 39-lap race which will kick off at 4.05pm (AEDST).

TeamVodafone’s live race day blog from the pit garage will commence on www.teamvodafone.com at 4:05pm (AEDST).

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Practice Results – Norton 360 Sandown Challenge

1: Paul Dumbrell, 1:10.4085.
2: Mark Winterbottom, 1:10.6030.
3: Tim Slade, 1:10.6153.
4: James Courtney, 1:10.6278.
5: Jamie Whincup, 1:10.6374.
6: Shane Van Gisbergen, 1:10.7837.
7: Alex Davison, 1:10.8165.
8: Russell Ingall, 1:10.8536.
9: Will Davison, 1:10.8847.
10: Fabian Coulthard, 1:10.8952.
14: Craig Lowndes, 1:10.9882.