Dijon-Prenois, times between the drops

This Friday, we really got to the heart of the matter, and all the drivers joined the paddocks to participate in the free runs scheduled in each of the categories, but also in the qualifying sessions for Funyo, single-seaters and VHC. Behind the clouds the sun was never far away, but it didn't matter because it was, as always, a joy to be able to ride on this beautiful Dijon-Prenois route.

First drops as we reached the paddocks, but as soon as the GTs entered in the early morning, the sky cleared, allowing the track to dry out. You still had to be particularly attentive, as the route looked tricky with cold bitumen (13°C in the air) and certain trajectories that were still wet. Some were surprised, this was for example the case in single-seaters, the private practice session in the morning having ended with an exit from the track forcing the marshals to wave the red flag. As midday approached, the Funyos were not spared from the passage of a few showers, and after the lunch break, the rain continued for a longer period of time on the Dijon circuit. In these variable conditions, the drivers were able to switch to different types of tires in order to prepare for all eventualities in preparation for qualifying and the races. From 16:55 p.m., the serious things began with the timed sessions for three of the five categories represented this weekend.
For the Funyo Challenge qualifications, the clouds were present, but the rain did not disturb this 15-minute session. Nicolas Cannard dominated qualifying on this circuit that he knows well. The n°1 of HMC Lohéac is ahead of the n°29 of Franz Lavorel who plays within the same team. Jean Quelet (n°11) and Jean-Pascal Burguet (n°16? MSI) will share the second row at the start. Note the great performance of Yann Burguet who is also involved with the MSI team, but with an older generation Funyo 4; he signs the 6th time. In the other sprint challenge, that of the single-seaters, a magnificent session during which the leaders went hunting for the time. The Formula Masters took the lead, but the single-seaters from the other categories were also there in this fine field of 27 cars. After a quarter of an hour of qualifying, Florian Revaz (No. 20 at Revaz Racing) obtained the best time, ahead of John Filippi (No. 27 at Bossy Racing Team). Second row: Antonio Pellegrino (n°33? Team Antonio) and Christophe Hurni (n°62? Sports Promotion). Behind these four Formula Masters, it is Vincent Iogna (n°7 at Formula Motorsport) who positions his Formula Renault 2.0 (cat.B) in 5th place, closely followed by Federico Gibbon (n°51? Viola Formula), impressive at the Castellet meeting.
The last qualifiers were those of the VHC, with a 45-minute session to complete this first day of the V de V Endurance Series in Dijon. Nice parade of oldies, but above all the fight at the top of the ranking in order to get the best place on the grid. The No. 52 from the German team Biehl Racing dominated the proceedings for a long time. Indeed, the Lola T492 of Harald Schmeyer quickly positioned itself in the lead, and managed to keep the best time until the end of the session, before the March 81 S of Philippe Hottinguer (n°51 at Palmyr) don't take the lead. Although Yann Le Calvez and his No. 8 Elva MK3 got closer in the second half of qualifying, as the track dried out, she ultimately got the third fastest time. Note a good start for Karl Pedraza's De Tomaso which finished in 4th place. In the GT, Serge Kriknoff (Porsche 2.8 RSR n°66) will therefore have competition this weekend in this group 4!

This day was also an opportunity to get together in the paddocks after the last runs, to celebrate the launch of this weekend of the V de V Endurance Series, in the usual good mood, while tasting some Burgundian specialties , including the famous snails. Evil tongues will say that this dish corresponded well to the times...