Petit Le Mans – Pre Race
Snippets

Two cars didn’t make it out for the 25 minute session – the #15 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Acura, with a suspected halfshaft problem, and the #61 Risi  Competizione Ferrari, which simply decided not to risk incurring damage after all the early-morning incidents of the previous two days.

As a result of all the red flags, new Race Director, Beaux Barfield, laid down the law at the Friday evening drivers’ briefing and made it clear that driver or team status would not be an influencing factor on him – any unnecessary rough stuff and you’re out.

The numbers 15, 9, 73 and 44 have been moved to the back of the grid – 15 & 73 for a tire change infringement and 9 & 44 as a result of insufficient night laps having been achieved.

Martyn Pass has confirmed that the accident was due to Allan McNish losing control on cold tyres on his out lap and that the Scot had held up his hands to it – proof that it happens to the best of us. It is touch and go whether the Audi will make the 11.15 start, but it will be racing.

Stuart Hall had a gear shift problem during qualifying that cost the #888 several grid spots, while Stephen Simpson confirmed that all was well with the #88 Creation.

The #46 Flying Lizard Porsche and the Autocon Lola were both confirmed fit and well after the warm up.

Meanwhile, the sun is shining, the circuit is full of fans, and we’re ready to go.