Spa: Series Friday report

Jean Alesi and Giancarlo Fisichella: their feelings after the free sessions

Sportscars racing is a new challenge for ex-Formula One drivers Jean Alesi and Giancarlo Fisichella as the Italian driver explained: "It is not easy to share the cars with two other drivers. We only ran ten laps each in both practice sessions so it is not easy to find the limits of the car."

Last year the driver from Rome was on pole for the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix, but this year, "it is not really important to be on pole -- it is more important to finish the race," Giancarlo said. "The race will be tough because the weather is always unpredictable here at Spa. Of course, it would be better for everyone that the track stays dry, but this morning I was the quickest on a wet track so rain would not be a problem."

Both drivers are delighted to be on the 24 Hours of Le Mans entry list. Jean Alesi: "I drove at Le Mans in 1989, but I didn't finish the race because of a mechanical issue. I was very impressed before my first stint because the track is very fast and at that time, there was no chicane in the Hunaudières straight. Last year I drove one lap with Luca di Montezemolo and I could notice that the track safety is now much better and more fun, which is very important for a 24-hour race."

-source: lemans-series.com