Road to Le Mans Free Practice Report: Micouris Sets the Pace
Le Mans, France – Team Virage’s Théo Micouris showcased dominant performance in Free Practice 2 ahead of the Road to Le Mans races, clocking a record time of 3:48.582 in the #16 Ligier JS P325 – Toyota.
Micouris initially posted a 3:49.007 but improved significantly in the session’s final minutes, solidifying his position at the top of the time sheets. This elevated him above teammate Rik Koen, who finished third in the same car and did not replicate Micouris’ late-session push.
Free Practice 1 Highlights:
In Free Practice 1, Hadrien David emerged fastest with a time of 3:50.288 driving the #85 R-Ace GP Duqueine. Following a mid-session red flag, David capitalized on a two-lap sprint to secure the top position. Charles Roussanne in the #92 Forestier Racing Ligier JS P325 and Louis Rousset in the #29 entry followed closely, finishing second and third with times of 3:50.858 and 3:51.016, respectively.
Paul Trojani led the LMP3 Pro/Am category with a time of 3:53.259 in the #84 ANS Motorsport Ligier, despite a challenging session that saw him stranded in a gravel trap.
In the GT3 class, AF Corse secured a 1-2 finish with Eliseo Donno leading the way in the #51 Ferrari 296 GT3. His lap time of 3:58.303 edged out Vincent Abril’s #52 Ferrari.
Free Practice 2 Overview:
Sergio Sette Camara was the closest competitor to Micouris, finishing second with a time of 3:49.787 in the #43 Inter Europol Competition Ligier and also claiming the top Pro-Am spot.
The top five in Free Practice 2 included:
- Théo Micouris – #16 Team Virage Ligier: 3:48.582
- Sergio Sette Camara – #43 Inter Europol Ligier: 3:49.787
- Rik Koen – #8 Team Virage Ligier: 3:50.197
- Louis Rousset – #29 Forestier Racing Ligier: 3:50.349
- Matteo Quintarelli – #50 23Events Racing Ligier: 3:50.617
In GT3, Lukas Dunner took the top spot in the #65 Team Motopark Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo with a time of 3:56.834, outperforming Abril and Kessel Racing’s David Fumanelli.
Looking Ahead:
Qualifying for the Road to Le Mans will take place tomorrow at 11:45 CEST, setting the stage for the first race at 18:25 CEST. With 56 cars on track, including notable absences from the #58 GG Classics and #77 Reiter Engineering Ligiers, the upcoming events promise excitement and competition.
Key Quotes:
- Théo Micouris: “It’s great to start strong in Free Practice. We’ll be aiming to maintain this momentum into qualifying.”
Conclusion:
The competitive landscape for the Road to Le Mans is heating up, with drivers demonstrating both skill and speed. The stage is set for thrilling races ahead.
