Lusail International Circuit is the venue for the Prologue which saw the 2024 FIA WEC field complete its first two test sessions yesterday. The #12 Porsche 963 of Hertz Team JOTA, driven by Will Stevens, Callum Ilott and Norman Nato, was fastest around the Qatari track in 1:40.541. The Porsche Hypercar was a tenth of a second quicker than the #50 Ferrari 499P of Ferrari AF Corse. The second Hertz Team JOTA Porsche 963 was next fastest in 1:40.950, rounding off a good day for the British outfit. Former Formula One World Champion Jenson Button is teamed with Oliver Rasmussen and Phil Hanson in this Hypercar.
Less than 0.6 seconds separated the Top Five, completed by the #51 Ferrari 499P and the #2 Cadillac!

Fine margins in LMGT3

The #59 McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo fielded by United Autosports dominated both sessions in LMGT3. James Cottingham, Nicolas Costa and Grégoire Saucy recorded a benchmark time of 1:54.480. Vista AF Corse’s #54 Ferrari 296 LMGT3 was second quickest (1:54.542), ahead of the #87 Lexus RC F LMGT3 of Akkodis ASP Team (1:54.565). Mirroring the Hypercars, the margins were very fine in this class which is new to the FIA WEC this season. Last night, less than one second separated the Top 12, whetting the appetite for what promises to be a tight race.

Unfortunately, the evening session was red-flagged three times. The first was when Thomas Flohr encountered a mechanical issue in the #54 Ferrari 296 LMGT3. It rejoined the track following repair. The session was interrupted a second time when Proton Competition’s Harry Tincknell in the #19 Porsche 963 ran off into the gravel on Turn 3. The third red flag was brandished when a cat was reported on the track.

The teams will return to the track today for two further sessions from 10:00 to 13:00, and from 14:00 to 17:00 local time. Enjoy some shots from the first day in the photo gallery below.