Tech 1 and AKKA-Asp on pole in Misano

Two totally opposite sessions, but one thing in common: the blue, white and red flag. On Saturday, the first qualifying session of the sprint round of the GT World Challenge at Imola was crushed by the French.

Although entered in the Silver category, Thomas Neubauer took pole with the Lexus RCF of Tech 1 racing in 1'32''124 during the first session, thirty-five thousandths ahead of Jules Gounon at the wheel of the Bentley Continental GT3 of the CMR team. Imposing cars that we didn't expect at the Misano turnstile. Behind, we are almost five tenths behind.

For Tech 1, it is far from a surprise this weekend. Neubauer also dominated pre-qualifying and remained at the front during free practice sessions, sometimes alone alongside the Audis and Mercedes.

Both teams had a much more difficult second session. Aurélien Panis and Tech 1 ranked 15th and Nelson Panciatici placed the CMR Bentley in eighth position, despite a very good first time.

Another French team took over, AKKA-Asp. Jérôme Policand's team had already distinguished itself in the first session. The car entered in the Silver category finished third overall in the hands of Jim Pla.

In the second session, AKKA-Asp was able to count on an impressive Raffaele Marciello. After winning the first free practice session, he is on pole for the second race of the weekend. With a time of 1'31''841, he is ahead of Kelvin Van der Linde, hero of the opening round in Imola at the wheel of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo of Team WRT.

Maro Engel and the Haupt Racing Mercedes complete the leading trio.

In Pro-Am, pole goes to Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo from AF Corse driven by Louis Machiels during the first session and the Sky Tempesta Racing Ferrari driven by Eddie Cheever in the second session.

In both qualifying, more than fifteen cars were held within one second.

The first race will be followed on our site this evening from 19:15 p.m.