Photo: Blancpain

#55 Kaspersky Motorsport Ferrari 488 has retaken the lead of the race in a commanding way with James Calado managing to pull a 30 second lead before a Safety Car. The #63 Lamborghini defended the lead but quick pit work by the Ferrari crew lept the Lamborghini, allowing Calado to run off and hide.

The 30 second lead was lost when a SC was called for simultaneous breakdowns from the #6 Audi and #333 Ferrari. Audi had managed to get the #1 and #2 cars into 2nd and 3rd before taking advantage of the FCY and pitting the cars.

Penalties were the theme of the last 2 hours. The following cars have been penalised for track limits infringements (and other assorted rule violations!): 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 19, 22, 42, 51, 75, 90, 99, 117, 488 (x2), 777 and 912. The #8 Benalty was given a 5 minute stop and go for a drive time violation, but this was rescinded after further investigation found that the Bentley could not pit in time as the pit lane was blocked by the stopped #188 McLaren.

On the move…

The #55 is currently the fastest car in the race. Even when it loses positions in stops, it’s able to reclaim them. The car easily pulls a lead in clear air.

#8 Bentley has moved from 28th to 8th in 2 hours. They are still on an alternative strategy and take the lead when the ‘regular’ strategy runners pit.

#23 Nissan is quietly following the #8 Bentley up the order. It’s been 1 position behind the Bentley for the last few stints, and the car is improving as the temperatures drop.

Before the FCY there were 4 Audis in the top 10. They have dropped a couple of those out in a pit stop cycle, but they are on the up.

#98 BMW has been dragged up into the top 10. Currently it sits 6th but owes us a pit stop. But it’s a huge jump from the 25th the car was stuck in earlier.

Bad times for…

#114 Jaguar spun and nosed into the tyre wall. The car has retired.

#58 McLaren stopped on the exit of the Bus Stop. It eventually returned to the pits and has not rejoined the race.

#48 HTP Mercedes suffered yet another puncture and was taken into the garage for repairs.

#5 Audi was had an extended garage stay. It has returned to the track 3 laps down.

#75 ISR Audi entered pit lane trailing fluid and blowing steam from the engine bay and hasn’t rejoined.

Keep an eye out for…

Track limits! The race director is, even if the drivers aren’t.

#8 Bentley and #23 Nissan. Both cars have speed and are climbing up the order every time their alternative pit strategy cycles through.

#84 Mercedes is hovering around the podium. Currently it sits ahead of the leading Audis, but only by a cars length.

Pro-Am battle is heating up. #97 Aston Martin still leads, but the #16 Black Falcon Mercedes matches the Aston for speed when they run together. Pit stop strategies has artificially inflated the gap for now.

Engineering student, lover of all things technical and lifelong motorsport fan. Employed in the Oil & Gas Industry, developing Major Emergency Management simulations. Owner of the best beard on the site.