Dusty track conditions didn't stop talented Italian driver Edoardo Piscopo from threatening the Taupo lap record during the A1GP practice session this morning.
Switzerland's Neel Jani was fastest coming into the session, after being the only driver to dip into the magic 1:15s yesterday.
But Piscopo's lightning 1:15.112 lap put him at the top of the table before this afternoon's qualifying session, followed by the Netherland's Robert Voorbos, then Jani with USA driver Marco Andretti in fourth.
The current lap record has been held by Jani since 2007, when he lapped a slightly faster version of the circuit in 1:14.679.
The new Ferrari-powered A1GP cars are expected to smash the record before the event ends.