Zytek qualifying report

Zytek driver Darren Manning is third fastest qualifier in the LMP1 class for tomorrow's American Le Mans Series race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. In a session during which lap records tumbled, Darren's Arena Racing Zytek 07S was both the fastest gasoline powered and non-factory car in its category.

'Everything went to plan," said Arena team manager Alan Cole. "We hoped we might catch one of the factory cars but that wasn't to be. We could have pushed a little harder but, realising this, decided to consolidate and save the car for tomorrow."

Competing in the ultra-competitive LMP2 class, the factory 07S driven by 2005 Laguna Seca winner, Hayanari Shimoda continued to struggle for overall grip. Without this, the car, which has already shown its speed at Le Mans, Silverstone and Petit Le Mans, was been unable to demonstrate its true potential.

Darren, whose best lap was a 1min 12.785 secs (110.69mph), will team with Tom Chilton for tomorrow's four-hour race. Hayanari, who was less than a second slower, will share the LMP2 car with Stefan Mucke.

Credit: zytek