Fuoco Grabs Spa Pole in Ferrari 1-2-3

Photo: Ferrari

Antonio Fuoco led a Ferrari 1-2-3 in qualifying for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, continuing the Prancing Horse’s clean sweep of FIA World Endurance Championship pole positions this season.

The No. 50 Ferrari 499P put in a lap of 1:59.617 to outpace the No. 83 machine of Robert Kubica by 0.347 seconds, with the No. 51 car third in the hands of Antonio Giovinazzi.

Peugeot was best of the rest with the No. 94 9X8 driven by Stoffel Vandoorne, although the Belgian’s best effort of 2:00.218 was 0.601 seconds off pole.

The No. 12 Cadillac V-Series.R qualified fifth with Alex Lynn at the wheel, while Alpine and Peugeot captured sixth and seventh courtesy of Mick Schumacher and Jean-Eric Vergne, respectively.

Robin Frijns was BMW’s sole Hyperpole representative with the No. 20 M Hybrid V8 in eighth, while the No. 35 Alpine A424 of Charles Milesi and the No. 38 Cadillac piloted by Earl Bamber completed the top ten.

Porsche Penske Motorsport and Toyota Gazoo Racing both failed to break through into Hyperpole with any of their cars.

Kevin Estre was quickest of the Porsche 963s in 12th, suffering rear bodywork damage when he dipped a wheel in the gravel on the exit of Fagnes.

Also eliminated was the No. 15 BMW of Raffaele Marciello, the No. 99 Proton Competition Porsche and both Aston Martin Valkyries, which brought up the rear in class.

Harry Tincknell had a spin into the gravel in the No. 007 car at the end of the session, but recovered to the pits.

Gehrsitz Gives Lexus Maiden LMGT3 Pole

Finn Gehrsitz put the No. 78 Akkodis ASP Team Lexus RC F GT3 on pole position in LMGT3, marking the first time Lexus has achieved such a feat since joining WEC last year.

The German reeled off a 2:17.732, which was fast enough to withstand a late flyer from Racing Spirit of Leman driver Eduardo Barrichello by 0.276 seconds.

Ben Tuck took third in the No. 77 Proton Competition Ford Mustang GT3, ahead of the sister car in the hands of Giammarco Levorato.

Zach Robichon ensured both Aston Martins were represented in the top five by qualifying fifth for Heart of Racing Team, with the two Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3s of Francesco Castellacci and Simon Mann sixth and seventh.

Riccardo Pera and Valentino Rossi were the last two drivers in Hyperpole to set a time, with Clemens Schmid notably not featuring in the second portion of LMGT3 qualifying.

Amongst the cars that did not make the cut for Hyperpole were both United Autosports McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, the two TF Sport Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs as well as the No. 31 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps starts Saturday at 2 p.m. CEST (8 a.m. EST).

RESULTS: Qualifying