The Honda-powered Ligier prototype combination has been the weapon of choice at the Roar before the 24 test at Daytona International Speedway this afternoon.
The Japanese/French combo topped the timesheet with former Nissan LM P1 pilot and recently announced Ford GTE-Pro driver Olivier Pla setting the pace for Michael Shank Racing.
“It went really well,” Pla said (pictured right).
“I know the team from racing here the last few years in the US but this is my first weekend actually driving for them.
“Car feels great and the team is working perfectly.
“Running here on the banking is certainly different from a lot of the circuits in Europe but apart from that, the job is pretty much the same for me.”
It was a big day for the Shank organization who earlier announced they would contest this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.
Patrón Racing ESM returned to IMSA competition in strong form with new signing Pippo Derani setting the second fastest time of the day.
The Daytona Prototype machines were pushed down the order with young star Sean Rayhall pulling out a stunning lap aboard the DeltaWing for third fastest in his first run for the team.
Jordan Taylor was fastest of the DP cars in fourth while Joao Barbosa was fifth fastest before crashing at the bus stop on the back straight.
Mazda showed improved competitiveness in the prototype class with Spencer Pigot setting the seventh fastest time. The Japanese manufacturer has fully made the switch this year to petrol power after the end of their diesel program.
While Ford has stolen much of the limelight in the GTLM class in the build-up to this week’s test, it was BMW who shone bright this afternoon.
The new M6 went 1-2 in testing with Augusto Farfus (pictured right) topping the times at 1:45.120 with Kuno Wittmer second fastest – only .030 of a second adrift.
BMW were also fastest in the morning with Lucas Luhr topping the timesheet and setting the fastest overall time of the day.
The No.3 Corvette was third fastest with a strong effort from Antonio Garcia.
Raffaele Giammaria set the pace abord his GTD Ferrari ahead of the Viper of Jeroen Bleekemolen. The PC class was topped by Colin Braun in his championship-winning CORE autosport entry.
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