After a qualifying session in which the world champions failed to get the most out of their car following a misunderstanding with their team mates, the Italo-German crew showed they had the potential to do well in the race even with the ballast they have on board. Michael Bartels spent a long time out on the track and clocked a time of 1:44.192, one that was only bettered in the closing stages by Lacko/Nillson’s Saleen S7 (by 16 thousandths).

The other MC12s also put in solid performances to post fifth and sixth, respectively, with Pier Guidi/Bobbi (1.009 off pole) and Müller/Ramos (1.392 down).

The warm up also put to bed any concerns about the weather as bright sun and high temperatures will welcome the drivers when they line up for the 13.15 start.