Kai Allen leads Bathurst practice as Ford engine change approved
Supercars approved a Bathurst-only change for Ford engines after testing identified a loss of power at high altitude.
Grove Racing's Kai Allen set the quickest lap of the two Bathurst 1000 practice sessions held on 8 October, recording 2:05.5460 in the opening session at Mount Panorama. The Ford driver's time was more than three-tenths faster than his nearest rival.
Supercars confirmed an engine change for all Ford entries at the event after tests found reduced power at high altitude. Testing took place before last year's Bathurst 1000 and again ahead of this year's race. The approved correction was developed by Ford's homologation team, Triple Eight Race Engineering, and applies only to Bathurst. Toyota and GM (Chevrolet) engines will remain unchanged.
Fords occupied six places in the opening session's top 10, with Chevrolets taking the remaining four. PremiAir's Jayden Ojeda placed second in 2:05.8737. Reigning Supercars champion Chaz Mostert was the leading Toyota driver in 17th, aboard Walkinshaw TWG Racing's number 1. Grove Racing called last year's Bathurst winner Matthew Payne into the garage early after finding power steering fluid on the floor.
Lochie Dalton led the later co-drivers session in Erebus Motorsport's number 99 Chevrolet, posting 2:05.874. Ford and Chevrolet again filled the top 10 positions, while Fabian Coulthard drove the number 1 Walkinshaw TWG Racing entry to Toyota's best time. Two further practice sessions are scheduled before Friday's qualifying, with the race on Sunday.
