Motorsport: Frosty on a flyer

MELBOURNE - Ford's Mark Winterbottom left it late but grabbed the fastest time in practice ahead of the weekend's V8 Supercar races at Sandown.

Winterbottom launched in the final lap of the session to post a one minute 10.2125 second time - just ahead of series leader Jamie Whincup (1:10.2217).

Holden Racing Team's Will Davison was third fastest in 1:10.2644.

Leading New Zealand V8 driver John McIntyre, driving a Stone Brothers Ford, boosted his spirits for the the two endurance classes on Phillip Island and Bathurst later this year by lodging the ninth fastest time in practice.

"These cars are not easy to drive so you need to make the most of every opportunity when you get time behind the wheel," said McIntyre who was included in the practice as a Stone Brothers contracted endurance driver.

McIntyre, driving fellow-Kiwi Shane Van Gisbergen's car, clocked 1min 12.0326sec, putting him in front of five-times Australian V8 Supercar champion Mark Skaife, who was 10th fastest.

Qualifying and the first of two races this weekend will be held on Saturday, ahead of another race on Sunday.

- AAP