Motorsport: TeamVodafone on top again

Jamie Whincup posted the fastest time in Thursday's practice sessions. Photo / Getty Images

TeamVodafone dominated the V8 Supercar round at Yas Marina in 2010 and they appear determined to maintain that edge over the rivals at the Abu Dhabi venue in 2011.

Jamie Whincup, desperate to regain the title he lost to James Courtney last year, posted the fastest time in Thursday's practice sessions.

The Holden ace clocked a fastest lap of one minute, 57.0160 seconds to edge surprise packet Tim Slade (1:57.0390) and teammate Craig Lowndes (1:57.0480).

Courtney, making his debut for the Holden Racing Team after an off-season switch from Jim Beam Racing, finished eighth fastest at 1:57.3470.

His teammate Garth Tander will also have to find some speed for the weekend after finishing a lowly 24th on the timesheets.

The first 200km race of the Yas V8 400 will be held on Friday (Saturday AM AEDT) after an all-in qualifying session, with the same format to be repeated on Saturday (Sunday AM AEDT).

- AAP