Qualifying Practice at Barcelona

ELMS

Apr 13

The first ELMS qualifying practice of the new season saw Benjamin Hanley, Giorgio Roda, Manuel Espirito Santo and Sarah Bovy setting pole with their respective cars during the four class sessions this afternoon at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

United Autosports in pole position

📷 Luc Warnotte at Barcelona LMP2 Pro qualifying practice.

Benjamin Hanley won his qualifying session by setting the fastest lap during his last lap at the end of the session in 1:28.071 with #22 United Autosports Oreca.

Reshad De Gerus was second best in #28 IDEC Sport for 0.153 ‘’ and will also start from front row.

Last year teams champion will start from second row with Alexander Lynn setting the third performance of the session in #25 Algarve Pro Racing, 0,310’’ short from Hanley’s fast lap.

Both Cool Racing Oreca are 4th and 5th of the session with Frederik Vesti in #47 outperforming sister #37 for 0,013’’!

Proton Competition in LMP2 Pro/Am

📷 Luc Warnotte at Barcelona LMP2 Pro/Am qualifying practice.

Giorgio Rôda with #77 Proton Competition Oreca was the fastest of LMP2 Pro/Am qualifying practice more than half second clear from Anthony Wells in #19 Team Virage in P2. Giorgio Roda said: « It is really good being in pole position. Last year, in Portimao, we were in pole position having the right momentum at the end of last season. We worked hard before the new season and are happy to start from pole the first race of this new season. Our car is really good in hot conditions so we look forward for the race as it should be hot tomorrow. »

Cool Racing in LMP3

📷 Luc Warnotte at Barcelona LMP3 qualifying practice.

Last year champions will start from pole as Manuel Espirito Santo was the fastest of the session with #17 Cool Racing . His teammate Miguel Cristovao was happy about the result but cautious for tomorrow race: «We start well. The team is working very hard and always looking for the win and Manuel did set an amazing last lap. Everything is going as planned. It’ll be very difficult for the race as the championship has been growing up in level. There are 5 to 6 very strong cars looking to win also. »

Iron Dames on pole again

📷 Luc Warnotte at Barcelona LMGT3 qualifying practice.

Great start of season for the Iron Dames who will start from pole of LMGT3 class thanks to Sarah Bovy setting the fastest lap of the qualifying session, 0.317’’ faster than her nearest rival. A good way to start their return to ELMS but, as Michele Gatting said at the end of the session « It is not going to be easy as competition is quick so we’ll see but that is one box ticked. We are here to win the Championship and win the first race».

Sarah Bovy said: « I am very happy to start the ELMS season with the first pole position. Seeing so many smiles in the garage adds even more flavour to it. Tomorrow's race won't be easy, but Michelle, Rahel and I will try to get through it. The real challenge is to keep the position and we are ready to fight. Now we'll be following the Michelin Le Mans Cup and supporting Célia and Karen as they make their debut as Iron Dames. »

CLICK HERE for the result from qualifying of the 4 Hours of Barcelona.