Foreign interlopers filled the next three positions with Charlie Hollings, James Winslow and Marco Mapelli fulling positions five through seven.
Local drivers had a tough day. Co-points leader Chris Alajajian was forced to sit out of the first practice session in the morning after his team found a fault with the engine in his car whilst carrying out routine Pre-event preparation last night.
The team changed the engine in time to allow the 20-year-old North Shore driver to find his feet in the second session, banking eighth quickest time.
Fellow Sydneysider Mat Sofi was another to endure a rough day – ending his run in the second session after just one lap due to an off at the high-speed turn one.
Whilst filled with dirt and gravel, the car was predominately undamaged and will take part tomorrow.
The Kumho Tyres National Class runners had a mixed day as well.
Chris Barry (Data #3 Dallara F301) was forced to watch from the sidelines thanks to a dud starter motor that broke as he fired up his car for opening practice, whilst Melbournian Lauren Gray was left stranded on the circuit for 10 minutes in the first session after an electrical drama sidelined her Scud Racing entry. Both are expected to be back on track tomorrow.
Tomorrow will see the cars and stars of the Kumho Tyres Australian Formula 3 Championship contest two, 20-minute qualifying sessions before two, 15-lap events on Sunday as part of this weekends opening Shannons Nationals round at Oran Park.
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