The No.7 Toyota TS040 Hybrid this evening set the pace in the second of the three qualifying sessions for the 24 Hours of Le Mans – Kazuki Nakajima being one of three drivers to dip under the 3m23 mark for the first time this week (3:22.589). He was 0.119 seconds ahead of the two Porsche 919 Hybrids, the No.14 just edging out the No.14.
It was unfortunately another interrupted session with several big accidents including one involving the No.71 AF Corse Ferrari of James Calado and the No.29 Pegasus Morgan Nissan. Calado is under the care of the circuit’s medical centre and AF Corse Team Manager reported that he was conscious.
In LMP2 the No.46 Ligier JSP2 of Thiriet by TDS Racing led the field, with the fastest of the FIA WEC cars being fourth in class – No.26 G-Drive Racing Morgan Nissan.
In LMGTE Pro it was once again battle of the brands – the top four being Ferrari, Corvette, Aston Martin and Porsche. The No.51 Ferrari 458 Italia was fastest in the hands of Gianmaria Bruni with a time of 3:54.754, the only Pro car to go under 3m55.
SMP Racing’s Andrea Bertolini was quickest of the LMGTE Am cars this evening, with AF Corse’s No.61 F458 and Aston Martin’s No.95 Vantage V8 following closely behind.
Due to the red flags, the third and final qualifying session has been extended for 30 minutes and will begin at 21h30, running through to midnight.
Times for all sessions can be found HERE
Fiona Miller
