Schiller Leads Mercedes-AMG 1-2 in Paul Ricard Practice

Photo: GetSpeed Performance

Fabian Schiller set the fastest time in Free Practice for the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup opener at Paul Ricard, leading a Mercedes-AMG 1-2 in the process.

The German laid down an early benchmark of 1:54.083 aboard the No. 17 Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.

Matteo Cairoli, piloting the No. 48 Winward Racing machine, slotted into second later in the session, falling a mere 0.024 seconds short of Gounon’s time.

The pair of Garage 59 McLaren 720S GT3 Evos picked up third and fourth, with the No. 59 car in the hands of Joseph Loake 0.003 seconds faster than the Louis Prette-driven sister No. 58 machine, which also led Gold Cup in the process.

The overall top five was rounded by the No. 65 HRT Ford Performance Ford Mustang GT3, which led Silver Cup with David Schumacher at the wheel.

The Bronze Cup category was led by the No. 188 Garage 59 McLaren, courtesy of a 1:54.501 set by Tom Fleming.

That left it one spot clear of the Pro-entered No. 64 HRT Ford Performance machine, in which Jann Mardenborough turned his first official laps ahead of his series return with the German squad.

Arjun Maini set the car’s quickest time, which left it 0.422 seconds off the top spot.

The overall top ten was completed by the No. 63 GRT Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2, the No. 24 Steller Motorsport Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R and Tresor Attempto Racing’s No. 99 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo.

The two hours of running were interrupted by a single red flag, which was triggered when Rafael Villagomez brought the No. 35 Walkenhorst Motorsport Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo to a halt at Turn 15.

Track action at Paul Ricard continues with a 60-minute pre-qualifying session, which kicks off at 8 p.m. CEST (2 p.m. EDT).