It was a hot Friday of free practice at Circuit Paul Ricard for the opening of the fifth round of the International GT Open. Under a scorching sun and with high temperatures, the Mercedes of Team Motopark proved the AMGs like high-speed tracks. Still, the gaps are narrow, as proven by the fact that the first 17 cars were covered by one second.
Christian Mansell-Maxi Götz posted the best lap time of the day in 2.03.383, 0s068 ahead of their teammates Marcelo Ramírez-Dominik Baumann. Both pairs were faster in the second session. Third-fastest was the Blackthorn Aston Martin of Charlie Bateman-Jonny Adam, 0s093 behind, ahead of another power car, the Villorba Corse Lamborghini of Leonardo Moncini-Rodrigo Testa (+0s241).
They were followed by Greystone GT McLarens of Andrei Borodin-Ollie Webb (+0s430) and Zac Meakin-Jo Loake (+0s488).
Followed five Ferrari 296s, with Laurent De Meeus-Vincent Abril (AF Corse, +0s548), Marcin Jedlinski-Karol Basz (Olimp Racing, +0s599), and championship leaders Tom Emson-Tom Lebbon (Elite Motorsport, +0s631) leading the quintet.
The fastest car in Am, 19th overall, was the AF Corse Ferrari of Marcelo Hahn-Galid Osman, although the fastest time for the class was signed by Libor Milota (ISR Racing Audi, 2.04.310) in the Bronze session.
Last changes in the 30-car field are that Piotr Wira (in the GoodSpeed Racing Aston) and Darren Kell (in the TrackFocused McLaren) will race alone.