OzEmail Racing takes provisional front row.

The OzEmail Racing duo of Brad Jones and John Bowe have set the second fastest time during today's V8 Supercar practice for the Sandown 500 in Melbourne. The late decision to swap from the white OzEmail Falcon to the black one, paying dividends.

The experienced pair also taking out the honours and the fastest Ford team.

Setting the blistering time of 1 minute 11:54 seconds was John Bowe, a driver hitting form at the right end of the season. In typical fashion, the former touring car champ played down his effort: "The reality is today is only Friday and there are plenty of things that can happen between now and the end of the race on Sunday."

"Our OzEmail Falcon was very good though. It felt fast from the first lap and most of the changes we made to it ended up as improvements. Both Brad [Jones] and I were confident coming into Sandown and today has only encouraged us further," said Bowe.

For team-mate Brad Jones, things are going as planned: "We expected to have a competitive package this weekend and I'm not overly surprised we ended the day second fastest. I have to agree with John that there is still a long way to go though."

Questioned on his expectations for the race, Jones added: "John and I are one of the strongest driver pairings, so with a competitive car there is absolutely no reason we can't win. John has won here [at Sandown] multiple times before and it's a circuit that I've had success at too."

The second OzEmail Falcon of John Cleland and Andrew Jones has exceeded opening day expectations, with both drivers pleased with the day's outcome. The black OzEmail Ford hovered mid pack, eventually recording the 21st fastest time.

The feat extenuated for multiple British Touring Car Champ, John Cleland, as it was his first drive in a race car since the Bathurst 1000 last year: "I was a little anxious before getting into the car this morning. Not only was it my first time in a [race] car for almost 12 months but I'd never driven a BA Falcon before.

"I was pleased with my effort today and I can only see things getting better. The more laps I did, the faster I was getting. So I'm looking forward to the third practice session tomorrow and hopefully getting inside the top fifteen."

Andrew Jones was equal to Cleland's pace and set constant lap times throughout the session: "It was the first time that I had driven the white OzEmail Falcon, so there was a fair bit to learn but I'm really happy with the way things worked out. My times were consistent and getting faster all the time. I think John [Cleland] and I could surprise a few people come Sunday."