Shanghai FP1: Rebellion Racing lead the way; Porsche top in LMGTE Pro
The main headlines following this morning’s free practice session at the Shanghai International Circuit for round 3 of FIA WEC.
LMP1
• Rebellion Racing quickest with No.1 R13-Gibson setting 1m48.761s lap set late in session by Gustavo Menezes
• Swiss team’s session was slightly disrupted after Norman Nato briefly stopped on track
• Team LNT had set the outright pace with Ben Hanley lapping Shanghai International Circuit in 1m49.183s
• The No.5 Ginetta G60-LT-P1-AER ensures the British driver delivers best session result in WEC session for British constructor
• Team LNT place second and third as No.6 car driven by Guy Smith, Michael Simpson and Charlie Robertson takes third on 1m49.234s, just 0.051s behind sister Ginetta
• Toyota Gazoo Racing fourth and sixth as No.7 TS050 heads No.8 car
• Toyota face significant challenge to keep 100% winning record in Season 8 after Success Handicap system implemented
LMP2
• Nicolas Lapierre turns in mighty lap of 1m50.338s for Cool Racing to head LMP2 class
• Lapierre won the first ever WEC race at Shanghai in 2012 for Toyota
• Racing Team Nederland continue strong form as it places second in LMP2 with Fuji winning trio of Giedo Van Der Garde, Frits Van Eerd and Nyck de Vries completing stints at the wheel
• United Autosports third in LMP2 ahead of fourth placed No.37 Jackie Chan DC Racing Oreca-Gibson
LMGTE Pro
• LMGTE Pro sees Porsche set the pace with first Richard Lietz and then Gimmi Bruni setting times in No.91 Porsche 911 RSR
• No.95 Aston Martin second as Marco Sorensen and Nikki Thiim aim to make it back-to-back wins in Asia
• Ferrari makes it three manufacturers in top three as Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado place third in LMGTE Pro
LMGTE Am
• No.56 Team Project 1 Porsche 911 RSR tops LMGTE Am class with Matteo Cairoli setting pace in car he shares with David Heinemeier Hansson and Egidio Perfetti
• No.98 Aston Martin of Paul Dalla Lana, Darren Turner and Ross Gunn finished second quickest
For the full breakdown of times from FP1, click HERE.
The second practice session will take place at 15h30 local time this afternoon
