The first practice session of the Blancpain finale was met with dry conditions at the Nürburgring, and a Black Falcon 1-2 at the top of the standings. Every car went out in the session and took the opportunity to use the slightly different configuration of the GP loop, with the faster “sprint” version of the NGK chicane being used this year.
The early stages of the session saw the two RJN Nissans of Alex Buncombe and Lucas Ordoñez making topping the timing sheets, lapping in the 1:57 range. HTP were also at the top of the order in the Pro class in the first third of the session, showing off the Mercedes SLS’ impressive pace after their win at the Spa 24 Hours last time out.
The times quickly tumbled however, and three of the four SLS entries made their way to the top of the order with Adam Christodoulou going quickest overall, setting a 1:56.039 in the #18 Pro-Am Black Falcon Mercedes. Andreas Simonsen later made it a Black Falcon 1-2 – in the re-entered Pro-Cup #19 entry, putting in a 1:56.046.
Max Buhk and Max Götz both set quick times in the #84 HTP Mercedes throughout the session, they ended up fourth overall and second in Pro with Götz setting a 1:56.190.Second in Pro-Am in the by the session’s send was the #123 Team Ukraine Ferrari 458. Raffele Gianmaria splitting up the three SLS’ and finishing third overall.
It may be early in the weekend, but it must be noted that the leaders in the Teams Championship – Marc VDS Racing – had a disappointing session in terms of pace. The #4 finished 16th overall posting a 1:57.177 and the #3 a lowly 21st with a 1:57.461.
WRT, who sit second in the team championship, managed 5th with the #13 setting a 1:56.342.
Quickest in the Gentleman Trophy class #10 Sofrev ASP Ferrari, with Jerome Policand at the wheel. The Frenchman set a fastest time of 1:57.667, over a second quicker than the nearest GTR rival.
There were many cars getting warned and shown the black and white flag during the session for not respecting track limits, but that’s to be expected. There was however a casualty in the session, with the #44 Kessel Ferrari of Cesar Ramos colliding with the #458 GT Corse Ferrari at turn 4.
This collision damaged the rear of the Kessel car, while forcing the GT Corse Ferrari to stop on track and have it’s session end early due to the damage.
The only other issue was the #48 Prospeed Porsche which stopped on track at the very end of the session with a mechanical issue.
Stephen Kilbey
