V8 stars in test mode

V8 Supercar Series leader James Courtney pictured during practice at Queensland Raceway on Tuesday. Photos: Sarah Harvey AU3110HG

AN IMPRESSIVE line-up of Australian motor sport talent took to Ipswich’s Queensland Raceway on Tuesday to prepare for the next round of the V8 Supercar series.

Championship leader James Courtney was one of the many drivers on hand testing out their vehicles ahead of the Phillip Island endurance race on September 10-12.

But for revheads and keen Holden fans, the big news of the day was Team Vodafone’s Craig Lowndes and Mark Skaife teaming up for the first time in 10 years.

The pair rehearsed driver changes and became acquainted with their brand new Holden Commodore VE II, which made its official debut at the warm-up.

Lowndes and the semi-retired Skaife are both veterans of the Phillip Island track and said they were eager to return to the track together for what will be Race 17 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

“Craig and I have driven a lot over the years and it’s no surprise the seating and everything else is relatively easy to set-up,” Skaife said.

“We like our cars the same so we’re pretty happy about our pairing.”

Lowndes said their new car was extremely promising and that he was looking forward to sharing it with Skaife.

“The car is very close to what we would usually have it anyway. Lucky enough we are around the same height and weight, so it’s actually worked out really well,” he said.

“Balance-wise, the car is great, and it’s a new car, which is a plus. We are really confident going into the race; it’s just a matter of uncertainties in regards to the weather at Phillip Island,” he explained.

Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes have won three consecutive Bathurst endurance races together from 2006-2008 but the duo will split due to new rules concerning co-drivers.

The L&H 500 at Phillip Island is a gruelling 500-kilometre endurance event.