Ford Performance Racing’s (FPR) quest for back-to-back Gold Coast titles received a boost with Orrcon Steel FPR pilot Mark Winterbottom posting the fastest practice time around the tight Surfers Paradise street circuit this afternoon.

Frosty posted a fastest time of 1min 12.34secs, a tenth quicker than his FPR compatriot Paul Dumbrell in the Bottle-O Racing FPR Falcon.

Dunlop Super Dealer FPR Falcon lead driver Steve Richards finished the day in 20th position after posting the fastest time in today’s second practice session.

“This is a pretty good start to the weekend,” Frosty said.

“The car is feeling really good around here … and I’m loving the new layout,” he added, referring to the new shortened track.

“This circuit you really have to attack if you want to get the most out of the car and I think we’ve found the right balance to do that.

This weekend you’re going to see some really interesting racing because not only have we got a field of international drivers thrown into the mix - but the shorter lap distance now means that over 300k we should see back-marker traffic come into play … and then you also have the weather element which is also predicted to play a part in the outcome,” Frosty said after hearing that the threat of rain during the weekend is now a real possibility.

“Anyway it’s only Friday so we’re not going to get too carried away – there’s still a lot of work to do to put the car on pole again but we’re pointing in the right direction to do just that,” he concluded.

Frosty’s co-driver Luke Youlden was also quick today but would have preferred more time behind the wheel before tomorrow’s first race.

“One 40 minute session and we’re off racing,” Lukey said.

“This is the first time I’ve driven here since 2005, and the first time in a V8 Supercar so it is a bit daunting,” he added.

“There’s not much room to move out there with regards to margins for error so trying to find the limits of the car around here calls for a little more testosterone but I’m loving every minute of it,” Lukey quipped.

FPR’s international driver for this weekend Will Power also enjoyed his track time today.

 “Yeah this is fun!” Power beamed.

“I had a pretty good run out there today –with every lap I’m getting more comfortable in the car so pushing harder is becoming easier,” he said.

“I saw the trophy for the highest placed international driver today and I really want it so that’s what I’ll be working towards for the rest of the weekend.”

Dunlop Super Dealer ace Steve Richards praised Power’s performance today.

“Will’s doing a great job out there … but I’m not surprised,” Richo said.

“These guys are the best in the world so stepping down a category as far a speed goes they can pick it up pretty quickly and he’s doing just that which is a real bonus for myself and the team.

We ran greens (fresh tyres) earlier today and we came out quickest so there’s an indication the car is looking good for the weekend’s races,” Richo added.

The on-track action continues tomorrow with qualifying at 9.35am, the Top Ten shootout at 10.50am  and race one at 1.35pm. (All times Queensland time)