Reigning champion Kostecki makes Supercars return

Brodie Kostecki has battled to 12th place in his first practice session in New Zealand. (HANDOUT/SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP)

Reigning Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki has made an inauspicious return to the track after sitting out the first two rounds of the season.

Kostecki was 12th-fastest in Friday's practice session, won by dual Bathurst 1000 winner Chaz Mostert, as Supercars return for a round in New Zealand for the first time since 2022.