By Tarek Ramchani
The Audi teams performed very well again in day 2 of the official TUDOR United SportsCar Championship tests. The Audi R8 LMS cars were among the fastest cars within the GT Daytona class.
Two test sessions were held yesterday with only GT cars on track from both GT Le Mans and GT Daytona classes. Following some tire issues and two major crashes for two Daytona Prototypes, IMSA (International Motor Sport Association) stopped all tests for the Prototype cars (DP, LMP2 and LMPC).
In the first session the best ranked Audi R8 LMS car finished second in a very demanding and close GTD class. The #45 entry from Flying Lizard Motorsports with a best time of 1:48.760 right behind the leading factory Ferrari 458 from Ferrari Corse Clienti. The #46 Audi R8 LMS from Fall-Line Motorsports was fifth. The #48 Audi R8 LMS from Paul Miller Racing was ninth. The works #24 Audi R8 LMS from Audi Sport customer racing was eleventh and the #35 car from Flying Lizard Motorsports was thirteenth.
Later in the second session the Audi teams again showed great pace with very close lap times between the different teams and brands. The factory run #24 car from Audi Sport customer racing was sixth in class with a best time of 1:49.687. The two cars from Flying Lizard Motorsports were respectively seventh with the #45 Audi car and eighth with the #35 R8 LMS. The #48 Audi from Paul Miller Racing was twelfth and the #46 entry from Fall-Line Motorsports was fourteenth.
The first session results can be seen here.
The second session results can be seen here.
Yesterday's tests concluded the official TUDOR United SportsCar Championship pre-season tests in Florida. At both Sebring and Daytona, the Audi R8 LMS was clearly among the best cars in the field. And looking at each session lap times it is clear that the GT Daytona class next year in TUSC will be one of closest and most exciting to follow with various brands very well represented. Next stop for the Audi teams will be again at Daytona, the traditional Roar Before The Rolex 24 in January.
Photo credit: Flying Lizard Motorsports / Bob Chapman
