TEKNO Autosports completed a test day last week, and Van Gisbergen said the car is back up to speed ahead of the all-important endurance races.

“It was a really positive test. We made some big changes throughout the day, and it feels like totally different car,” Van Gisbergen said.

“We were strong in the wet at Sydney Motorsport Park, but our dry weather pace has been lacking the past few rounds. I’m confident we’ve got the car for both conditions now.

“I’m really looking forward to Sandown. Webby did a great job last year, and he’s fast again this year, so it should be an interesting weekend.”

Van Gisbergen and Webb claimed a front row start for last year’s Sandown 500 and went on to finish the 161-lap race in sixth.

Co-driver Webb said he’s itching to get back behind the wheel, and especially looks forward to the unique qualifying format, which sees two qualifying races determine the grid for Sunday’s race.

“It feels like forever since I’ve raced, so I can’t wait for the ‘co-driver Grand Prix.’ It’s a lot of fun to start the enduros with your own 20-lap race,” Webb said.

“The team is well-prepared, and have worked harder than ever to get back on top of the #97 Commodore.

“I’m quietly confident. I believe we’re now the strongest we have been, so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

The Sandown 500 is the traditional warm-up to Australia’s Great Race, the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, and takes place at Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway this weekend.