Peugeot TotalEnergies’ #93 9X8 topped the opening Free Practice session of the FIA WEC weekend at Interlagos this morning, with Nico Müller setting a 1:26.341 on a drying track after light rain ahead of the session.
The Swiss’ time came with 44 minutes remaining as multiple improvements were being made across the board by drivers, who started the session on wets and moved to slicks as conditions improved.
However, the flurry of fast times was interrupted by a red flag moments after Müller posted his time for an incident at Turn 4. The #78 AKKODIS ASP Lexus RC F LMGT3 ended up in the guardrails with Arnold Robin at the wheel, prompting lengthy barrier repairs which brought the session to a premature end.
Race control announced that the session would not resume with 19 minutes on the clock, and confirmed that FP2 will be extended to make up for lost time, held between 14:30 and 16:45 local time.
As for Arnold Robin’s condition, a WEC spokesperson has confirmed to DSC that he was “extricated from the car and is being evaluated at the medical centre for precautionary checks.”
The extent of the damage to the car is not yet clear. It was seen on TV screens being returned to the paddock on a flatbed with covers over it.
In the times, the #2 Cadillac finished up second, with a 1:26.520 from Earl Bamber. There were six brands represented in the top six, as the #6 championship-leading Porsche ended up third, with the #8 Toyota fourth and the #83 AF Corse Ferrari and #20 BMW fifth and sixth. All of them lapped within six-tenths of the leading Peugeot.
Most teams managed to complete more than 20 laps in the session, which represented the first opportunity for the field to gather data on the Interlagos circuit with their current cars. There was one car that didn’t hit double figures though, the #38 JOTA Porsche which was late to the session.
In LMGT3 United Autosports’ #59 McLaren GT3 Evo set the best time, with local driver Nicolas Costa setting a 1:35.881.
The Heart of Racing Aston Martin finished up second with a 1:35. 884, while the #777 D’Station Vantage completed the top three with a 1:36.104.
Free Practice 2 is set to get underway at 14:30 local time.
Image courtesy of Peugeot Sport
