It’s hardly ideal preparation but Russell Ingall is hoping computer games will be enough to ensure his co-driver for this weekend’s Gold Coast 600 is ready for the Surfers Paradise street circuit.

The V8 Supercars veteran is teaming with Scottish endurance racer and former flatmate Peter Dumbreck in this weekend’s two 300km races.

But Dumbreck is the first to admit he’s coming into the weekend pretty cold, only climbing behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar for the first time in Wednesday’s practice session at Queensland Raceway.

Instead, he’s hoping lap after lap in a simulator will have him ready to tackle the notorious concrete canyon of the Gold Coast circuit.

“The simulator has taught me which way the track goes and I think I’ve got a handle on that, but nothing prepares you for actually being out there in real life,” Dumbreck said.

“The last time I was on the Gold Coast was New Year’s Eve almost 20 years ago, when I was backpacking around Australia.

“It was a party then but, this time, I have some work to do. Hopefully, we’ll still be able to have a celebration afterwards though.”

Dumbreck at least has form on his side coming into this weekend after coming fifth in the Fuji Six-Hour world endurance sportscar race in Japan last Sunday.

“It’s nice to have my most competitive result of the year at the Fuji 6 Hour, and it’s a good way to come to Australia,” he said.