Motorsport: McLaughlin fastest of the Kiwis in Bathurst qualifying

Scott McLaughlin drives the GRM Volvo at Bathurst. Photo / Matthew Hansen

Scott McLaughlin produced the best performance by the Kiwi drivers in qualifying for the Bathurst 1000 yesterday.

The Volvo driver produced a stunning lap just as the clock expired on the session to shade provisional pole-sitter Jamie Whincup by just a tenth of a second.

While happy to have booked a ticket for this afternoon's top 10 shootout McLaughlin says his main focus will be about getting his car in the best possible shape for racing situation rather than one-lap qualifying pace.

"That last lap was cool," the 23-year-old said. "I was absolute right against the fence all the way. It was epic.

"To do that at the end in a one lap dash was good warm-up for the shootout and I will give it a go.

"I think we have a really strong car and at least now we have track position.

"The shootout would be the icing on the cake but the win on Sunday is what we are looking at.

"I am feeling comfortable with both settings in my car for qualifying trim and race trim but we will see how we go."

Two other Kiwis will feature in the top 10 shootout - Fabian Coulthard qualified fifth and Shane Van Gisbergen sixth.