Imola ELMS Free Practice 2: Juncadella Sets Record Time in LMP2
Daniel Juncadella established a new benchmark in the LMP2 category during the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) Free Practice 2 at Imola, clocking a remarkable 1:31.426 in the #18 Genesis-backed IDEC Sport ORECA 07 Gibson. This time not only marked the fastest lap of the week but also positioned Juncadella as a strong contender heading into the qualifying session later today.
“It was a cool lap and a lot of fun,” Juncadella said. “The dream is to be on pole, and we will work for that as it’s very important at Imola to get a good starting position. I feel confident.”
Pietro Fittipaldi was close behind in the Vector Sport ORECA, setting a time of 1:31.482, while Job van Uitert in the sister IDEC car finished third at 1:31.579. In the LMP2 Pro/Am category, Alex Quinn’s 1:32.028 with the Algarve Pro Racing #20 secured ninth overall.
In the LMP3 class, Reece Gold led for Inter Europol Competition, with a best time of 1:40.160 in the #88 Ligier JS P325. Notably, the #17 CLX and #11 Eurointernational Ligiers also recorded times in the 1:40.1 range.
In LMGT3, Valentin Hasse Clot’s impressive lap of 1:42.141 with the Racing Spirit of Leman Aston Martin Vantage set a new ELMS record for the class at Imola. Kessel Racing’s Ferrari 296 GT3 claimed second, followed closely by Iron Lynx, United Autosports, and TF Sport with Mercedes-AMG, McLaren, and Corvette, all within seven and a half tenths of the top time.
The session experienced two red flags, the latter occurring due to an off by the DKR #3 Ginetta.
Track action continues this afternoon with qualifying scheduled for 14:30 local time.
