Berthon, Murphy Prototypes on Pole at Paul Ricard

Murphy Prototypes will start from pole position in the fourth and penultimate round of the European Le Mans Series at Le Castellet after claiming the top time in qualifying. Nathanaël Berthon was the fastest driver at the Paul Ricard circuit.

Berthon drove the No. 48 Murphy Prototypes Oreca-Nissan to a time of 1:47.837, thereby putting an end to Jota Sport’s 100 percent pole streak. The Frenchman’s main challenger was still Harry Tincknell’s No. 38 Jota Sport Zytek-Nissan (+0.289s), starting second on the grid later today.

Christian Klien in the No. 43 Newblood by Morand Racing Morgan-Judd came in third quickest (+0.583s) and will share the second row with the No. 34 Race Performance Oreca-Judd (+0.757s), while championship leaders Signatech Alpine was only able to manage fifth (+1.119s).

Andrea Bertolini scored his third GTE pole of the season in the No. 72 SMP Racing Ferrari, keeping the No. 80 Kessel Racing Ferrari of Giacomo Piccini +0.196s at bay.

GTE points leaders Matt Griffin and Duncan Cameron will start from third on the grid, lining up alongside Gulf Racing UK’s Porsche 911 RSR.

GTC was spearheaded by the No. 71 Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 of Luca Persiani, 0.177s ahead of Kevin Korjus’ ART Grand Prix McLaren MP4-12C GT3.

The 4 Hours of Paul Ricard will get underway at 1 p.m. local time and will be streamed live at www.europeanlemansseries.com

RESULTS: Qualifying