Ford’s David Reynolds has set a new V8 Supercars record at Darwin’s Hidden Valley during practice on Friday.

Reynolds’ took advantage of the freshly resurfaced track in the first session of the round to clock a blistering lap of 1min 7.2893secs.

It was 0.565secs quicker than the mark laid down by Holden’s Jason Bright during practice in 2002.

“It’s good to have good pace,” Reynolds said.

Fellow Falcon driver Scott Pye also lapped inside Bright’s time to finish second, ahead of Bright, Nissan’s Michael Caruso and Holden pilot Tim Slade.

Craig Lowndes was sixth fastest in his Commodore, while Ford rival and championship leader Mark Winterbottom was seventh and about 0.71secs off the lead pace.

Winterbottom holds a narrow 12-point lead over Lowndes on the overall standings.

Lowndes’ Red Bull Racing teammate Jamie Whincup was further back in 15th on the timesheets – not a good sign for the defending champion who is keen to turn his fortunes around in the Top End.

He’s been on the podium just once in the past six races and sits fourth on the points.

Returning champion Marcos Ambrose completed 14 laps in his return to a V8 Supercar for the first time since stepping down as DJR Team Penske’s lead driver.

He was replaced by Pye.

A second one-hour practice session begins at 2.15pm (AEST).