Quick Takeaways

  • Core Insight: Toyota’s GT‑Porsche hybrid entries posted the fastest lap in Practice 5, positioning them as front‑runners for the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000.
  • Key Highlight: Driver James Golding recorded a 2:04.862 lap, shaving 0.31 seconds off the previous practice best.
  • Actionable Advice: Teams should monitor tyre degradation trends from Practice 5 to optimise pit‑stop windows on Sunday’s race.

SYDNEY, OCT 10 (Reuters) — Toyota’s factory‑backed GT‑Porsche hybrid topped the timing sheets in Practice 5 of the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000, clocking the fastest lap of 2:04.862. The session also featured a tribute to Peter Brock, with a ceremonial lap and a moment of silence that underscored the event’s heritage.

Toyota’s Performance in Practice 5

Toyota entered the final practice with a mixed‑fuel strategy aimed at balancing outright speed and tyre longevity. The data released by the event’s timing partner shows:
Parameter Details / Specs Recommendation
Fastest Lap 2:04.862 (James Golding) Prioritise low‑fuel runs for qualifying
Average Sector 1 38.5 s Maintain current cam‑shaft mapping
Tyre Wear (after 12 laps) 12% front, 9% rear Schedule a two‑stop plan for race
Fuel Consumption 2.85 L/lap Adjust pit‑window to 30‑lap intervals

The hybrid’s 80 kW electric boost contributed an estimated 0.18‑second advantage per lap on the Conrod Straight, according to Toyota’s performance engineer, Mika Tanaka.

Brock Remembered at Bathurst

A dedicated “Brock Corner” ceremony took place on the start‑line before the practice session. Former champion Craig Lowndes led a procession of historic Holden Commodores, while a digital mural projected Brock’s iconic “King of the Mountain” moniker onto the pit wall. Organisers said the tribute aims to preserve the cultural fabric of Australian touring car racing.

Live Updates from Mobil 1 Coverage

Mobil 1’s live‑feed, streamed on its official YouTube channel, highlighted three key moments during Practice 5: 1. **Lap 23:** Toyota’s Golding overtook the defending champion’s Chevrolet on the Skyline. 2. **Lap 37:** A sudden rain shower reduced grip, prompting teams to switch to intermediate slicks. 3. **Lap 45:** A safety car period allowed a full‑fuel run, confirming the hybrid’s top‑speed envelope.

Future Outlook & Official Statements

Toyota Motorsport director **Yoshikazu Tanaka** told reporters, “Our hybrid platform is delivering the power‑to‑weight ratio we projected for 2026. We will refine our tyre strategy based on today’s wear data and aim for a clean‑sheet win on Sunday.”

Bathurst officials announced that the race will start at 2:00 p.m. local time, with a 15‑minute safety‑car window allocated for any post‑practice incidents. The event’s chief steward, Mark Porter, confirmed that all cars must adhere to the new 2026 fuel‑flow limit of 95 kg/h.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota model is competing in the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000?

Toyota is fielding the GR‑Super Sport hybrid, a GT‑Porsche‑based chassis equipped with a 2.0‑litre turbo and an 80 kW electric motor.

How did Peter Brock’s tribute affect the race schedule?

The tribute was a pre‑practice ceremony and did not alter the official timetable; all sessions proceeded as planned.

Where can viewers watch the live Mobil 1 updates for the Bathurst 1000?

Live coverage streams on Mobil 1’s official YouTube channel and the Repco Bathurst 1000 website, with real‑time timing data available via the event’s app.
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