Le Mans Notes 06/08/11; Sarrazin Peugeot Set Pace

Peugeot Set Pace in Q1, Photo Courtesy Christian Vignon- ACO/Nikon

Just as it appeared Audi had lay claim to the top three positions during provisional qualifying Peugeot Sport Total‘s Stephane Sarrazin peeled off a blistering lap that undercut the German squad by nine-tenths of a second during an incident packed session. The Audi Sport Team Joest R18 TDI’s and Team Peugeot Sport Total 908’s were fastest throughout the session. The 908 of Sebring winners Team Oreca Matmut were seventh in LMP1.

The Pescarlo Judd was the fastest of the petrol powered LMP cars, in eighth position, nearly two seconds ahead of the Rebellion Racing Lola-Toyotas, but almost nine seconds behind the diesel powered Audis and Peugeots hot laps. Aston Martin continued to be beleaguered with troubles. The #007 Aston Martin piloted by Christian Klien lost the front left wing which relegated the car to the garage for repairs, while the #009 piloted by Adrian Fernandez was briefly stopped on track with an oil leak.

The Strakka Racing HPD ARX.01 was fastest in LMP2, nearly a half second quicker than the Signatech ORECA-Nissan. Unfortunately the Strakka crashed heavily at the Dunlop Bridge at the end of the session bringing out a red flag. There was significant damage to the Strakka and it is questionable for Thursday.

As expected competition was fierce among the GTE Pro and AM teams. The #56 BMW of Hand/Priaulx/Muller set the pace closely followed by the AF Corse Ferrari 458 of Bruni/Vilander/Fisichella and the BMW of Farfus/Werner/Muller. Larbre Competition’s Porsche 911 set the pace for GTE-AM followed by the #81 Flying Lizard Porsche which was fastest early in the session. The Khron Racing Ferrari 430 was fifth fastest.

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One Thought to “Le Mans Notes 06/08/11; Sarrazin Peugeot Set Pace

  1. Interesting to see that the Aston is reliable as it is ugly. Still pretty surprised at the gap from the Diesel/Petrol cars. Then again, should I be? Audi and Peugeot just get it done .

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