LMP2 Newcomer Hernandez Quickest in Portimao Rookie Test

LMP2 newcomer Marlon Hernandez set the fastest time in the end-of-season European Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup rookie test at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao.

The 21-year-old Frenchman sampled TDS Racing’s No. 29 Oreca 07 Gibson and set the fastest time of the day by reeling off a 1:31.876 during the three-hour afternoon session that capped off the test.

Hernandez came into the test without any LMP2 racing experience, although he did compete in a Ford V8-powered Nova NP02 prototype in France’s Ultimate Cup Series this year.

Additionally, he gained experience competing in Porsche Carrera Cup France as well as the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

Reshad de Gerus, piloting the No. 30 Duqueine Team Oreca, ended the day second quickest, courtesy of the 1:32.291 he posted to top the morning session. Enzo Trulli, son of former Formula 1 driver Jarno Trulli, was third aboard the No. 20 Algarve Pro Racing car.

Newly crowned ELMS champion Charles Milesi slotted into fourth at the wheel of VDS Panis Racing’s No. 48 Oreca, ahead of the No. 3 DKR Engineering Oreca driven by Valerio Rinicella.

Matteo Quintarelli ended the day sixth as he tested the No. 83 AF Corse Oreca. The Italian, who is not related to former SUPER GT racer Ronnie Quintarelli, has competed in LMP3 machinery this year, both in Le Mans Cup as well as the Asian Le Mans Series.

Former FIA Formula 2 racer Sami Meguetounif set a 1:33.393 during his first day at the wheel of the No. 28 IDEC Sport Oreca.

Although the Frenchman was initially the only driver listed aboard the No. 28 machine, he was joined for the test by newly minted Genesis Magma Racing Hypercar driver Mathys Jaubert as well as LMP3 standout Gillian Henrion.

Similarly, Ford LMGT3 driver Ben Tuck was a late addition to the No. 77 Proton Competition Oreca, with the British racer setting a 1:33.534 to end the day ninth overall.

The top ten was completed by IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge racer Bryson Morris, who posted a 1:33.656 aboard the No. 25 Algarve Pro Racing Oreca.

The LMP3 class was topped by Mikkel Pedersen, who posted a 1:39.294 during the afternoon session while at the wheel of the No. 85 R-Ace GP Duqueine D09 Toyota.

The Dane went 0.016 seconds quicker than Lenny Ried in the No. 49 High Class Racing Ligier JS P325 Toyota, followed by Riccardo Cirelli aboard the No. 17 CLX Motorsport Ligier.

Cirelli, hailing from Italy, gained LMP3 experience across two seasons in Prototype Cup Germany and was 0.043 seconds quicker than the No. 35 Ultimate Ligier in the hands of Augustin Bernier. Mikhail Simonov, driving the No. 50 23Events Racing Ligier, was fifth.

The LMGT3 class was topped by newcomer Matias Zagazeta, who tested the No. 55 Spirit of Race Ferrari 296 GT3 and went quickest with a best lap of 1:43.486.

Zagazeta, hailing from Peru, spent the past two seasons competing in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, and ended the test 0.265 seconds quicker than Ferrari factory driver Alessio Rovera, who drove the No. 51 AF Corse machine.

RESULTS: Morning Test/Afternoon Test