FP1: Audi stands out at the end of the session

Audi waited until the end of the session to show its performance. Mike Rockenfeller set the best time in the first free practice session in 3:27:986. The No. 18 Audi R1 TDI is the only LMP1 to go below the 3?28 mark. André Lotterer follows in second place in the No. 2 Audi (+0??310).

La Peugeot 908 n°9 by Sébastien Bourdais is third (+0??550) ahead of the n°7 of Alexander Wurz (+0??706). Allan McNish set the fifth fastest time in the No. 18 R3 TDI (+0??735). Franck Montagny completes the top six in the No. 908 Peugeot 8 (+1??103).

After being at the center of the Peugeot-Audi duel, the 908 HDI FAP Oreca n°10 of Nicolas lapierre finished in seventh place, 2 seconds behind the reference time. The No. 110 Pescarolo Judd of Julien Jousse follows at 16??6 and ranks first in the gasoline LMP735s. It precedes the Lola B1/10 Rebellion Racing n°60 of Jeroen Bleekemolen.

The No. 01 Strakka Racing HPD ARX-42d of Danny Watts sets the first LMP2 time (+14??877). It precedes the two Oreca 03-Nissans from Team Oreca Matmut and Signatech-Nissan.

Many contenders for victory have distinguished themselves in GTE Pro. The advantage ultimately goes to the BMW M3s of Augusto Farfus and Andy Priaulx. Fabien Giroix distinguished himself in GTE Am by setting the first time in the category on his Aston Martin V8 Vantage Gulf n°60.

The drivers take a little rest before the start of the first qualifying session which will take place from 22 p.m. to midnight.