Photo : Nicolas COUSSEAU - ACO/Nikon

Official practice is not until Thursday, March 17, but the track at Sebring yesterday was open to competitors for two free practice sessions. Montagny set the fastest time. 

After the two long sessions the Peugeot 908 of Montagny/Lamy/Sarrazin was given the best unofficial lap 1'46''678 (average: 199.709 km/h). The new 'lioness' did not disappoint on her public debut. Second time of day was Tom Kristensen who, at the wheel of the Audi R15+ he shares with Capello and McNish made 1'47''919 during the second session. Finally, great revelation of the day: the Honda of Brabham/Franchitti/Pagenaud (a car not entered in ILMC) ranked third with 1'48''342. The first prototype built by the Japanese in LM P1 was also the fastest car powered by a petrol engine. 

Another Japanese manufacturer who has not missed the first day of running is Nissan. The Oreca chassis powered by a Japanese engine, entered by Signatech-Nissan was the fastest LM P2 after the two sessions with a best lap overall of 1''55''626. 

Similar dominance in LM GTE Pro for BMW this time with the #55 Farfus/Werner/Auberlen. The M3 GT was the fastest (2'01''562 and 2'01''774). As for the Ferrari F430 American Krohn/Jonsson/ Rugolo took the fastest lap in the LM GTE Am class 2'03''217. 

Formula Le Mans (Le Mans Prototype Challenge LMPC in the USA) can compete in the 12 Hours of Sebring. Fastest yesterday, was the trio of Ameicans Bennett/Montecalvo/Dalziel who posted a 1''55''060. 

On Tuesday, 15th March, two free practice sessions are planned of one hour each. The first official practice will begin Thursday, 17th March at 10h15 local time (15h15 in France / 14:15 UK). 

Photo: Sebring (USA), FREE PRACTICE, 14 March, 2011. The Peugeot 908 of Montagny, Lamy and Sarrazin fastest time of the first free practice.