6 Hours of Imola – Free practice 3: BMW chases Ferrari, Aston Martin shows off
While Ferrari continued its domination at Imola, the official N°50 was followed by some surprising BMWs in Free Practice 3. The N°94 Peugeot went out in the tank and Aston Martin dominated the LMGT3 class.
The result of this 3rd and last free practice session is quite surprising: for the first place, the factory Ferrari No. 50 (Nielsen/Fuoco/Molina) holds its position well. But what about BMW!
The Bavarian manufacturer managed to place both M Hybrid V8 in 2nd and 3rd positions, with car No.15 (D. Vanthoor/Marciello/Wittmann) being only 34 thousandths off the best time! This impressive increase in pace could hint at a place in the Hyperpole session later in the afternoon.
The Top 10 is within one second: Porsche is starting to increase the pace somewhat, even though the maximum performance is saved for qualifying. The Penske No. 5 is ranked 5th, four-tenths behind Ferrari No. 5.
It seems to be going better for Toyota, which is picking up the pace a little while remaining discreet. The reigning world champion No. 8 (Hartley/Buemi/Hirakawa) followed the 2nd official Ferrari, with a 7th position in this final free practice session. The No. 7 is also in the top 10, in 9th place.
Lamborghini’s flash in the pan has faded: the unique SC63 (Bortolotti/Mortara/Kvyat) showed a setback, with only 18 laps and the 16th time.
Among the French, there is still a lack of pace. Certainly, the new 9X8 (93 and 94) have been significantly weighted compared to the other LMHs, which undoubtedly explains the 11th and 12th positions. Yet the pace on Friday was not ridiculous at all! And car No. 94, driven by Paul Di Resta, went straight at Rivazza, ending the session with a red flag.
Alpine remains outside the Top 10, but Jules Gounon seems to find some reference points with car number 35. The French drivers have grouped together, with Mick Schumacher’s car number 36 following in 14th place.
LMGT3: Aston Martin imitates Corvette
TF Sport and its two Corvettes had everyone convinced on Friday during the first two free practice sessions. The American cars were less comfortable and Aston Martin took full advantage!
The D’Station Racing (No. 777) easily outpaced the Heart of Racing on the 27, ensuring a double for the English manufacturer. The Porsches, especially the victorious Manthey PureX at Losail, remain discreet.
The Iron Dames, in the Lamborghini N°85, have entered the Top 10, thanks to the very efficient Doriane Pin, who finished 8th, alongside Sarah Bovy and Michelle Gatting.
The French team Akkodis is still experiencing a lot of difficulties: N°78 failed to break into the Top 10, while N°87 once again brought up the rear.
The results table is coming soon.
