FIA WEC: Strong pace for Audi during the free practice sessions at Spa

By Johan Laubscher

The FIA World Endurance Championship is hosting the second round of the year at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend. The three-car-strong Audi Sport Team Joest squad showed good pace during the two free practice sessions on Friday.

Audi Sport Team Joest have entered three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars, two in sprint configuration and one (#3) in the new low downforce bodywork configuration. Audi #1 is driven by Tom Kristensen, Loïc Duval and Lucas di Grassi. Audi #2 is driven by Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer. The third Audi (#3) has Marco Bonanomi and Filipe Albuquerque behind the wheel.

The three factory Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars are facing off against two Toyota TS 040 Hybrid and two Porsche 919 Hybrid entries.

The first free practice session got proceedings underway on Friday morning. The wet session was topped by the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro, with Loïc Duval putting in a late flying lap of 2:15.143. Their teammates finished fourth (#2) and seventh (#3). The duo of Toyotas placed second and third, ahead of the two Porsches in fifth and sixth.

Overall LMP1-H Free Practice 1 results:

1. #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro - 2:15.143

2. #7 Toyota TS 040 Hybrid - 2:15.415 +0.272

3. #8 Toyota TS 040 Hybrid - 2:15.467 +0.324

4. #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro - 2:16.720 +1.577

5. #14 Porsche 919 Hybrid - 2:17.021 +1.878

6. #20 Porsche 919 Hybrid - 2:17.107 +1.964

7. #3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro - 2:19.231 +4.088

The second practice session was held in the dry during the afternoon. All three of the factory teams were represented within the top three by the end of the session. Porsche topped the session, ahead of Toyota and Audi. The trio of Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars were third (#2), fifth (#1) and seventh (#3) fastest. 

Overall LMP1-H Free Practice 2 results:

1. #14 Porsche 919 Hybrid - 1:59.887
2. #8 Toyota TS 040 Hybrid - 2:00.638 +0.751
3. #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro - 2:00.738 +0.851
4. #7 Toyota TS 040 Hybrid - 2:01.292 +1.405
5. #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro - 2:01.454 +1.567
6. #20 Porsche 919 Hybrid - 2:01.620 +1.733
7. #3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro - 2:02.347 +2.460

All the results from the Spa weekend can be seen HERE.

Qualifying will be up next at Spa, scheduled for 19:20 local time. We wish the best of luck to Audi Sport Team Joest and the Audi drivers.

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport