Autodrom Most LMP qualifying report

Lemarié Sets The Pace

Most, Czech Republic, Saturday 4th August 2001: In humid and overcast conditions the Gulf sponsored Audi R8, piloted by Patrick Lemarié, set fastest time in official qualifying, with a blistering lap of 1:18.110. Joining the Audi on the front row of the grid for tomorrows 2hour 45 minute race is the Panoz of Lanesra Motorsport with a time of 1:20.127.

The Gulf Johansson Motorsports team tried a different set-up from yesterdays practice and it paid dividends as Lemarié completed 8 fast laps in the half hour session. Minor adjustments to the front suspension carried out late in the session did not have an impact on the times posted. Driving the Panoz was Czech racing star, Tomas Enge, but he was unable to make any real impact as he challenged for pole, his best time was more than two seconds slower than the Audi.

In the LMP 675 class the Racing Organisation Course Reynard, driven by Spaniard Jordi Gene took the honours in its debut European Le Mans race with a time of 1:20.821, ahead of Didier Bonnet Racing Debora piloted by Gomez. An intriguing race is in prospect with the lead baby prototype less than one second behind the Panoz and every possibility of mixing it with the big boys and securing a podium place in tomorrows race. <pre> Round Four - Most - LMP 900 & 675 - 30 minutes

1 7  LMP900 Lemarié / Johansson  Audi R8   1:18.110
2 9  LMP900 Enge / Janis   Panoz LMP Roadster S 1:20.127
3 38 LMP675 Gene / Pillon   Reynard   1:20.821
4 28 LMP675 Gomez / Dussau  Debora   1:26.857

-ELMS-