Hour 4: Audi Back in the Lead but Toyota Not Far Away

A Stop-Go penalty for the nr1 Audi didn’t stop the R18 e-tron ending the fourth hour in the lead of the 6 Hours of Silverstone but the gap was just 21 seconds after 240 minutes of racing. The penalty was imposed after the Audi collided with the nr57 Krohn Racing Ferrari in the third hour. The nr2 Audi R18 Ultra of Allan McNish was a distant third but still on the lead lap.

The LMP1 Privateer battle changed after the nr12 Rebellion Racing Lola-Toyota was also given a Stop-Go also for a collision with the nr57 Ferrari in a separate incident. After the visit to the pitlane Neel Jani rejoined in 7th overall with the nr13 Rebellion Lola of Andrea Belicchi taking the lead.

After a scheduled stop for the nr24 Oak Racing Morgan, the LMP2 lead went to the nr25 ADR-Delta Oreca of Tor Graves.

The LMGTE Pro lead remained with the nr51 AF Corse Ferrari. A quick pitstop for the Italian team got the Ferrari, now with Giancarlo Fisichella at the wheel, back out in front of the nr97 AMR Vantage of Darren Turner.

The LMGTE Am leader was still the nr88 Porsche, now with Gianluca Roda on driver duty. However a black and white warning flag was shown to the Italian after he exceeded the track limits on a few occasions. The nr61 AF Corse Ferrari of Matt Griffin was lying in second place at the end of the hour but one lap behind the leading Porsche.

Jeff Carter

Photo: TOWCESTER (NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, GREAT BRITAIN), SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, 6 HOURS OF SILVERSTONE, SUNDAY 26TH AUGUST 2012, RACE.