After showing impressive pace throughout Friday, under cloudy skies at the Fuji Speedway this morning, Aston Martin Thor Team’s Valkyries truly came alive. In the final practice session ahead of Qualifying, the #007 set a 1:29.492 with Harry Tincknell at the wheel, putting the V12-powered LMH fastest of anyone ahead of qualifying later today.
The sister #009 car also performed well in the cooler conditions, slotting in fourth with a lap that was within two tenths of the #007. The two Cadillacs from Hertz Team JOTA showed pace too, with the #38 taking second with a 1:29.516 and the #12 ending the 60-minute session – which followed the annual circuit Safari run for the fans – third.
“It’s a big turnaround from yesterday to today with the cooler conditions,” #12 Cadillac driver Alex Lynn said. “I think it’s about keeping the rear tyres alive around here, and Sector 3 is very tight and twisty. Our cars are quite big, so anything we can do to cool down the rear tyres, we usually go a bit better.”
Peugeot, which set the benchmark in both of Friday’s practice sessions, ended up fifth with the #94 9X8, which produced a time 0.242 off the top.
Heart Of Racing was quickest in LMGT3 too, adding to the team’s impressive morning. Zach Robichon pushed the #59 United Autosports McLaren to second in the times with a 1:40.800 early on in the #27 Vantage LMGT3. The #81 TF Sport Corvette completed the top three while the second United McLaren and #60 Iron Lynx Mercedes slotted in fourth and fifth, respectively.
“It’s pretty amazing, first time ever to be leading both classes. I’m immensely proud of both teams, and I’m looking forward to Qualifying,” Heart of Racing team principal/driver Ian James said. “We have to celebrate the little wins.”
There was one drama to report from the session, as Ben Tuck was forced to stop the #77 Proton Ford Mustang at Turn 1 after just 14 laps and abandon the car.
“Engine issue, water pressure, the engine’s gone,” Tuck reported over the radio.
Qualifying is set to get underway at 14:20 local time later today.
