ILMC/ALMS, Petit Le Mans - LMP1 Qualifying

Stephane Sarrazin marked the cards of the competition with a 1:08.4 followed by a blistering 1:07.8 that looked good enough for pole.

The clearly rather well recovered Anthony Davidson though disagreed and came around even faster – 1:07.428 for the #7 Peugeot.

Dindo Capello was the fastest Audi man at that point but fully 2 seconds slower than the provisional polesitter.

Timo Bernhard though was soon in the mix – splitting the factory Peugeots, the top three all into the 1:07s, Timos second flier just a tenth off the required mark.

Olivier Pla meanwhile was the fastest man powered by petrol, 3 seconds back though in 6th with Steven Kane a further half a second back.

The #15 Oak is back out and running after its morning shunt – Pierre Ragues back in the saddle.

The four factory diesels were very closely matched as the last 5 minutes loomed – less than six tenths separating them.

The Oreca Peugeot looked content with fifth, but Andrea Belicchi sniffed a possibility of a diesel scalp as the #10 car pitted – He grabbed the petrol bragging rights with a 1:10.123, the top three petrol cars spread by half a second.

Anthony Davidson:

“It was my second Petit pole in a row.  It’s been a painful two weeks and I never really dreamed I’d be here after missing Silvers tone which was a bitter disappointment. 

“It’s great to drive with my team mates – as a trio we have never been together though I have driven with Sebastian (Bourdais).  It’s working together really well – We’re looking forward to the race."