Estre puts Porsche on top in eventful second WEC practice at Spa

Spa FP2 Report: Estre Leads as Porsche Claims Top Spot

In a turbulent second practice session at Spa, the No. 6 Penske Porsche 963, driven by Kevin Estre, secured the fastest time with a lap of 2m01.475s, marking the first practice session victory for Porsche this season. The session was frequently interrupted, resulting in a lengthy delay.

The No. 50 Ferrari 499P, piloted by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen, finished second with a time of 2m01.566s. However, the Ferrari faced issues with its front splitter and experienced a spin at Blanchimont toward the close of the session.

The No. 20 Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8, driven by René Rast and Robin Frijns, took third place, clocking in at 2m01.767s, just 0.2 seconds off the Ferrari. Completing the top five were the No. 12 Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V Series R at 2m01.876s and the No. 5 Penske Porsche 963 at 2m01.984s.

In the LMGT3 category, Zacharie Robichon led the pack in the No. 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage AMR with a time of 2:18.326, edging out the No. 87 Akkodis ASP Team Lexus RC F by less than 0.1 seconds. The No. 54 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 LMGT3 took third, registering a time of 2m18.881s.

The session was marred by three red flags. The first occurred when Antonio Giovinazzi crashed the No. 51 Ferrari 449P at Raidillon, which required repairs before he could return. Shortly after, Stephen Grove’s No. 60 Iron Lynx Mercedes AMG LMGT3 also went off at the same corner, resulting in significant front-end damage. The final stoppage involved Tom Gamble, who hit the barriers at Pouhon in the No. 007 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Valkyrie. Thankfully, all drivers emerged unscathed.

Results Summary

Top Five – Hypercars

1. No. 6 Penske Porsche 963 – 2m01.475s
2. No. 50 Ferrari 499P – 2m01.566s
3. No. 20 Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 – 2m01.767s
4. No. 12 Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V Series R – 2m01.876s
5. No. 5 Penske Porsche 963 – 2m01.984s

Top Five – LMGT3

1. No. 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage AMR – 2:18.326
2. No. 87 Akkodis ASP Team Lexus RC F – 2m18.378s
3. No. 54 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 LMGT3 – 2m18.881s
4. No. 10 Racing Spirit of Leman Aston Martin Vantage AMR – 2m18.931s
5. No. 88 Proton Competition Ford Mustang LMGT3 – 2m18.998s