The WEC 6 Hours of Fuji kicked off with an exhilarating qualifying session, where drivers battled it out for the coveted pole position. The session saw Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi take the top spot, setting a blistering time of 1m27.794s. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting qualifying session.
Kobayashi, driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing, showed his dominance on the track by securing the fastest lap time. His exceptional performance not only earned him the pole position but also a crucial bonus point for himself and his team-mates, Jose Maria Lopez and Mike Conway. Kobayashi’s time sent a clear message to his competitors that he means business.
Brendon Hartley, driving the #8 Toyota, put up a solid fight but fell short by 0.624 seconds behind Kobayashi. The two factory Penske-run Porsche 963s, driven by Kevin Estre and Frederic Makowiecki, delivered impressive performances, securing third and fourth place, respectively. The hypercar class witnessed intense battles, with each driver pushing their limits to secure a favorable starting position for the race.
Ferrari faced a disappointing qualifying session as its pair of 499Ps struggled to find pace. James Calado set the best time for the Italian marque, but it was nearly 1.2 seconds off the pace. This marks the first time this season that Ferrari failed to secure a spot in the top three. Nicklas Nielsen, in the #50 Ferrari, also faced a challenging session. The team will need to regroup and analyze their performance to come back stronger in the race.
United Autosports made its mark in the LMP2 class, with Phil Hanson taking the #22 ORECA 07 to pole position. This marked the team’s third pole of the year, showcasing their consistency and skills on the track. Louis Deletraz, driving the #41 WRT ORECA, gave a tough fight and finished a mere 0.091 seconds behind Hanson. Oliver Jarvis ensured both United cars will start in the top three, adding to the team’s success.
Ben Keating, representing Corvette Racing, showed his prowess in the GTE Am class by securing a pole position. Keating, along with his teammates Nicky Catsburg and Nico Varrone, delivered an impressive performance, outpacing their rivals by a scant 0.035 seconds. The team has already clinched this year’s title and continues to showcase their excellence on the track.
The WEC 6 Hours of Fuji promises an action-packed race with drivers ready to unleash their skills on the iconic circuit. As the drivers prepare for the main event, the qualifying session set the stage for an exciting battle. With Kobayashi leading the hypercar class, Hanson controlling the LMP2 class, and Keating dominating GTE Am, fans can expect thrilling moments throughout the race.
In a few hours, the race will commence, and the question on everyone’s mind will be, who will emerge victorious at the WEC 6 Hours of Fuji? The drivers have shown their capabilities in the qualifying session, but the race brings its own challenges and surprises. Motorsport enthusiasts are in for a treat as they witness the battle between the best drivers and teams in endurance racing. Stay tuned for all the updates and thrilling moments from the race.
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