Mark Winterbottom has placed second in the Bathurst 1000 Top Ten Shootout, putting him on the front row of the grid on Sunday.

After falling behind early in the shootout, Winterbottom, 2013 winner of the Bathurst 1000, had some catching up to do.

“Before you know it 10 kilometres are gone and the time gained/lost is looking average, so we tightened the belts and did a big last sector and got back to second,” he said.

Winterbottom was feeling confident after the practice race, with a fastest lap time of 2:06.0635.

“I thought it was really easy to be honest,” he said.

Mount Panorama is still a particular favourite of the well-versed driver.

“One lap of Bathurst is one of the coolest things you’ll ever do in your life,” he said.

“Ford Performance Racing’s got an incredible record here and it’s good to do Ford proud as well.” 

Holden Racing Team driver Shane van Gisbergen placed first in the Shoot Out, securing pole position for the championship on Sunday.