V8 Supercars champion-elect Jamie Whincup has started the Sydney 500 in typical fashion – at the top of the timesheets.

The Red Bull Racing star was fastest in the opening practice session of the season-ending round on Friday morning, clocking a lap of 1min 28.9398 seconds.

Fellow Holden driver Shane van Gisbergen was second, ahead of Michael Caruso’s Nissan, and the Commodores of Jason Bright and Fabian Coulthard.

Scott Pye had the quickest Ford in sixth, well ahead of Ford Performance Racing’s Bathurst winner Chaz Mostert in 13th.

Whincup’s teammate Craig Lowndes lobbed the 15th fastest time, with Mark Winterbottom – currently second in the championship – back in 18th.

In his first outing on the tight Sydney Olympic Park street circuit, returning star Marcos Ambrose was nearly 1.4secs off the lead pace in 23rd.

This weekend marks the first time Ambrose has raced in V8 Supercars since leaving for America’s NASCAR series in 2005.

He is steering a wildcard entry for Dick Johnson Racing in preparation for his full-time drive with the newly-formed DJR Team Penske next year.

The Sydney 500 will hose three races for the first time this weekend – two 125km sprints on Saturday and a longer 250km feature on Sunday.

Having wrapped up the title last round at Phillip Island, Whincup will officially be crowned 2014 champion on Sunday – his record sixth in seven years – barring any major penalties this weekend.

Two more practice sessions are scheduled for Friday.