Van der Linde, Mostert head final practice

Kelvin van der Linde and Chaz Mostert pulled the biggest punches in final practice in Bathurst.

The sixth and final practice session ended with three Audis and three Mercedes in the top six.

In the end, for the sixth session running, it was an Audi atop the time sheets.

It came in the form of South African ace van der Linde, who also topped the crucial twilight session on Friday.

Van der Linde (#74 Audi) clocked a 2:03.257s flyer midway through the session, which went unbeaten.

With 15 minutes remaining, Mostert (#65 Audi) drew closest of all with a 2:03.487s.

The session was the final chance for teams to sharpen their tools ahead of two-part qualifying.

For the first time in nearly a decade, drivers will attempt to qualify for the Pirelli Shootout with aggregate times.

Am drivers will complete the first qualifying session before the Pro runners turn laps.

The session ran largely untroubled, except for a late incident for the #4 Porsche with Stephen Grove at the wheel.

Defending winner Jules Gounon put the #75 SunEnergy1 Mercedes third on a 2:03.555s.

Cam Waters helped the #24 Audi to fourth all told on a 2:03.667s, set midway through the session.

The fifth and final driver into the 2:03s was Ricardo Feller (#777 Audi).

Supercars points leader Shane van Gisbergen was sixth aboard the #888 Triple Eight Mercedes-AMG.

Van Gisbergen clocked a 2:04.143s as the end of the session neared.

Just 17 cars turned laps in the hour-long session, with two Audis and a Mercedes absent due to repairs.

The #17 and #47 Audis remained in pit lane due to repairs for separate incidents.

The #91 Craft-Bamboo Mercedes is currently undergoing an engine change.

Cars will return to the track for qualifying at 1:20pm local time.