GT World Challenge Europe: Free Practice 2 Report from Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
In a highly competitive Free Practice 2 session for the GT World Challenge Europe at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Fabian Schiller emerged as the fastest driver. The Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed factory driver clocked a rapid 1:42.988, solidifying his strong performance after leading the pre-event Paid Test.
“Pretty good day for us,” Schiller stated, reflecting on the car’s performance and the team’s efforts.
Dylan Pereira of Tresor Attempto Racing secured the second-fastest time in the #99 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II, just 0.096 seconds behind Schiller. Pereira led early but noted the session’s heat affected performance: “It’s really warm right now, so different to Free Practice 1.”
Maxime Oosten in the #65 HRT Ford Mustang GT3 Evo led the Silver Cup entries, finishing third overall with a time of 1:43.168, achieved early in the session. “We made good steps from FP1 to FP2,” Oosten commented on the team’s adjustments between sessions.
Chris Lulham posted the fourth-best time in the #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing car, improving during a qualifying simulation. Mikael Grenier topped the Bronze Cup category with a 1:43.263 in the #12 GetSpeed Team Dubai Mercedes-AMG, narrowly edging Robert de Haan’s #991 Paradine Competition BMW by 0.003 seconds.
The session was briefly interrupted by a Full Course Yellow to retrieve Mirko Bortolotti’s #63 Lamborghini near Turn 4, while the #58 Garage 59 McLaren joined proceedings late but managed 34 laps. The mileage leader was the #77 KPX Motorsport BMW, achieving 46 laps.
This session sets the stage for an intense qualifying session later today, as teams refine their setups for the upcoming race.
