Picking up where fellow surprise packet Volvo left off, Nissan’s Michael Caruso has topped the timesheets at the final practice session ahead of V8 Supercars qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix on Thursday.

Volvo were the toast of the recent season-opening Adelaide round after 20-year-old driver Scott McLaughlin marked the Swedish manufacturers’ first Australian touring car sighting in 28 years with a podium finish.

And Nissan appear next to threaten the Holden-Ford stranglehold judging by Caruso’s blistering one minute, 56.23 second lap in the second and final 30 minute practice session on Thursday.

Nissan look to have overcome troublesome aerodynamic issues after Caruso finished ahead of Ford star Mark Winterbottom (1:56.40) and McLaughlin (1:56.53).

Five-time touring car champion Jamie Whincup was fourth fastest and Holden teammate – series leader Craig Lowndes – was a distant ninth.

Earlier, Holden’s Tim Slade was fastest in opening practice (1:57.34) ahead of Caruso (1:57.42) and McLaughlin (1:57.57).

Qualifying for the first of the Melbourne round’s four races starts at 1800 AEDT.

The Australian Grand Prix marks a non-championship V8 round but drivers will use it as a welcome warm-up ahead of their next official hit-out at Tasmania from March 28-30.