The European Le Mans Series has started the preparation for the 4H of Barcelona, the fourth meeting of the year for the endurance event after the summer break. Today, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya took on its usual role as testing ground and hosted a day of many hours of testing, not only for the ELMS but also for the rest of the competitions present.
The 41 participants in the European Le Mans Series faced a free practice session lasting an hour and a half. During this time, the team with the most laps was also the fastest of the day. This double credit goes to IDEC Sport and its drivers Paul Lafargue, Paul Loup Chatin and Patrick Pilet. The fastest time set by them was 1:35.757, a time that served as a reference for the rest of their rivals.
One tenth of a second behind and very close, Algarve Pro Racing (Bent Viscaal, Sophia Florsch) and AF Corse (François Perrodo, Nicklas Nielsen, Alessio Rovera) took the chequered flag in second and third place respectively. The most significant difference was the number of laps completed, with 37 for the Portuguese and only 2 for the Italians. These three teams were the most outstanding in the LMP2 category and in the overall points table.
In the LMP3 division, Inter Europol Competition stood out with one of its cars, driven by Nicolas Pino, Charles Crews and Guilherme Oliveira. The time set by them was a 1:41.527. The 360 Racing team was second and United Autosports third. Xavier Lloveras’ presence in the category is worth mentioning, who despite not finding his rhythm today, racing at home will give him an extra push.
Oman Racing with TF Sport dominated the GT class with Ahmad Al Harty, Marco Sorensen and Samuel de Haan in an Aston Martin Vantage AMR. The squad stopped the clock at 01:45.744. With an almost identical lap time, Kessel Racing (Takeshi Kimura, Frederik Schandorff, Mikkel Jensen) has been pushing closely. In sixth position in LMGTE is a Catalan driver, Miguel Molina. Joining JMW Motorsport in a Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, the reigning champion is sure to show what he can do on home soil.
In the afternoon, the bronze category participants had the opportunity to get back out on track for another test session. Tomorrow, everyone will be back on track for Free Practice 2 at 11:10 a.m., with qualifying starting at 3:45 p.m.
The Sprint Cup by Funyo, the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and the Mitjet France have also completed several test runs. Late this afternoon they will face the timed qualifying. Among these competitions, specifically in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, there is another local participant confirmed at the last minute: Jaume Font. The Catalan is competing with the Spanish team Baporo Motrosport and today their best result was a third fastest time.
Activities and proposals
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will have an area dedicated to fans during the whole weekend, which will host different activities and experiences, called Rookyland. There will be simulators, augmented reality experiences, a shop with official merchandising, games with prizes and rewards, a bouncy castle and a giant screen to keep an eye on the sporting activity, among others. There will also be constant entertainment to the rhythm of batucadas and even an exhibition of urban trial. In addition, with the general admission ticket, fans can participate in the Pit Walk and Grid Walk (limited capacity) and have access A the paddock.
Tickets and discounts
The general admission ticket consists of a two-day pass (Saturday and Sunday) and costs 15 €. As usual, children up to five years old will have free access to the Circuit. The Junior rate (from 6 to 15 years old) has a 50% discount, as well as the Senior rate (for over 65 years old).
Access to the Circuit
Access will be through gate 3 from 8:30 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The available car park will be IN6. The grandstands open to follow the activity will be the Main Grandstand and Grandstands C, B, G and F.
