A great qualifying session saw Scott Dixon in the de Ferran Motorsports Acura ARX-02a grab pole from Audi and Peugeot earlier today.
It was an impressive achievement for Acura and Wirth Research for such a radical new car to beat Audi and Peugeot, almost out of the box. Chief Designer, Nick Wirth was in tears and speechless. Personally, I’m really pleased as the Chief Engineer at de Ferran was one of the guys who gave me my first break, many years ago .
Peugeot appeared to be content with one flying lap and then back to the pits, while Tom Kristensen had bad luck with traffic in the Audi.
Acura had more success in P2 with the Fernandez Lola fending off both Dyson Racing Lola Mazdas.
GT1 saw Oliver Gavin in the #4 Corvette in front of Jan Magnussen in the other Corvette.
Farnbacher Loles’ Dirk Werner in the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR beat Flying Lizard driver Jorg Bergmister in GT2. Gianmaria Bruni in the ‘visiting’ Ferrari was 3rd, ahead of the regular ALMS Risi Ferrari’s.
Robertson Racing’s Ford GT put in some very quick laps, fifth in GT2.
BMW had a frustrating qualifying, but people forget this is a new car and team. The #92 had technical problems. The sister car of Bill Auberlen qualified 7th.
The 12hr race starts on Saturday 10am ET.
-Andy Blackmore
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
I've never really been watched the ALMS, but these articles have given me a good education! I tuned in today was was really impressed. The commentator could make paint drying sound exciting.
Will be watching on Saturday. Do you think Acura can win this? or were Audi sandbagging
The footage on SpeedTV was riveting. Every time I see a race at Sebring I'm amazed at the speeds they carry into, and through, the corners. The race looks like it is fixing to be a classic!
Dan - John Hindhaugh is one of the best. Mr Sportscar.
.
Not sure about paint drying, but you'll enjoy this snippet on You Tube of 'Hindy' commentaing on Umbrellas ! with Simon Hill.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlUQN4K2wo0 Classic!
.
I think Audi and Peugeot both have time in hand. Acura didn't seem that quick on the straight in testing and it does seem as if it takes a while for the Acura's to get their front tyres up to temperature, so struggle off the line. Still that takes nothing away from the fantastic pole.
.
Golf RSR - Yeah, didnt look like the R15 was lifting at all on one corner. Impressive stuff.
.
LOL @ the video
I think the Acura will do very well in the ALMS races, but not at La Sarthe. Then again, is Acura going to go to La Sarthe this year?
Acura doesn't sell cars in Europe so don't hold your breathe waiting to see them at Le Mans.
Congrats to the de Ferran team, that was one hell of a drive by Dixon.
I LIKE CHEVROLET CORVETTE AND ALL MUSCLE CARS