The former five-time series champion says the returning Mustang may have blitzed the field at the recent Phillip Island test day but predicted Adelaide's tough street circuit to leave Ford teams scratching their heads.

Ford have switched from Falcons to Mustangs this season, marking the first time since 1990 they have been seen on the grid.

Ford's defending series champion Scott McLaughlin again looked like the man to beat at the season-opening Adelaide 500 after Mustangs dominated this month's test session.

All six Ford cars finished in the top 10 of the 24-strong test field including the top three spots.

In contrast, Holden's flagship Red Bull Racing - featuring 2017 series champion Shane van Gisbergen and seven-time championship winner Jamie Whincup - struggled.

But Skaife believed those results would mean little at Adelaide's daunting, concrete wall-lined track.

"The thing is that Phillip Island is totally different to what this is like," Skaife said.

"It's a bumpy layout and a very unforgiving layout which is what we love about it.

"At the start I think there will be a bit of head scratching (for Ford) but as the year goes on I expect them to be very competitive."

Skaife tipped Holden's van Gisbergen to maintain his Adelaide Midas touch after being pipped by McLaughlin for the 2018 championship title.

Van Gisbergen is aiming to become the first driver to win five straight races at Adelaide.

"It's going to be hard to go away from van Gisbergen (as favourite)," Skaife said.

"It's been a very dominant display here from him. He's going to take some beating."

But Skaife was pleased to see Ford finally being competitive again with McLaughlin earning his maiden title after Red Bull Racing's recent dominance.

Overall Holden boasts 548 touring car wins in Australia compared to Ford's 361.

For the record Mustang has won a total of 15 Australian touring car races for Ford - the last way back in 1972.

"Holden versus Ford is part of the fabric of Australian racing," Skaife said.

"We've got a real rivalry again which is fantastic."

The Adelaide 500 starts with a twilight practice session on Thursday.

Australian Associated Press