The biggest surprise for Le Mans 2008 is Aston Martin is not on the pole. In fact the top Prodrive entry, the number 009 DBR9 was fourth fastest. Are they sandbagging? Well the answer will be in hand at 3 pm Sunday. However, the Corvette/Saleen battle continued throughout Thursday’s second qualifying session.
Unlike last year the Le Mans weather is cool and clear and perfect for the big rumbling Corvette C6R engines. Magnussen set an amazing 3:47.668, which was good for 31st starting position and first in GT1. FIA C6R Corvette driver Bouchut ran an amazing 3:47.761 in the number 50 Saleen S7, which was just a tick behind the pole winning number 63 Corvette. Next up with a time of 3:48.994 was Gavin in the second factory Corvette.
The number 009 Prodrive Aston turned a 3:48.994 with Garcia at the wheel. The two Luc Alphand C6R’s, were a disappointing seventh and tenth in GT1. We are sure the European Le Mans GT1 series leader will find more speed come Saturday.
Jan was very happy with the result:
“A proud moment. We were working hard yesterday. This is my first pole – not sure about Corvette but if you
say so I believe you. It’s fantastic being here with the [Danish] support and showing them
that at the driver parade will be great.”
Phoenix C6R driver Mike Hezemans also echoed his thoughts in the Lamborghini:
“The Murcielago is very different to the Corvette. We’re running very low downforce, but the balance is fine.
I didn’t do too many laps, but we’ve done a really good time for the car;
we’re a little bit surprised. We think we can go quicker.”
The weather is predicted to be cool and clear, which should lead to a remarkably fast pace for the famous 24 Hours. Stay tuned to CorvetteMotorSport.com to get the latest information on this world famous
sports car endurance classic.
GT1
63 Corvette 3.47.668
50 Larbre Saleen 3.47.761
64 Corvette 3:48.994
009 Aston Martin 3:48.994
007 Aston Martin 3:49.060
55 IPB Lamborghini 3:53.000
