Duval Fastest on Thursday in Austin

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

The No. 8 Audi R18 was fastest in the two Free Practice sessions at Circuit of The Americas on Thursday, ahead of the Six Hours of Circuit of The Americas.

Loic Duval set a fastest lap of 1:47.235 at the start of Free Practice 2, which was a night session starting at 8 p.m. local time.

This came after Duval’s co-driver Oliver Jarvis went quickest in the afternoon’s Free Practice 2, resulting in a clean sweep for Audi Sport Team Joest so far.

The sister No. 7 Audi took second in the day’s combined times, less than one-tenth off the pace.

The pair of Porsche 919 Hybrids could only manage third and fourth after the second session, although they did improve upon their earlier times. Toyota Gazoo Racing was fifth and sixth in the overall timings.

Signatech Alpine was the quickest LMP2 team of the day, as the No. 36 Alpine A460 Nissan set a time of 1:56.318 in the night practice, ahead of RGR Sport and first session leaders G-Drive Racing.

Ford Chip Ganassi Racing continued to lead the way in GTE-Pro, as the No. 66 Ford GT proved itself to be the most competitive car.

Aston Martin Racing was second with the No. 95 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE in the evening, while AF Corse was the next fastest team following a strong showing in Free Practice 1.

The No. 98 Aston Martin topped GTE-Am, and was the only car to improve on its time in night practice.

Gulf Racing was second in that session, but not as fast as Larbre Competition was earlier.

Free Practice 3 will conclude the weekend’s practice sessions, and is set to start at 10:30 a.m. local time on Friday.

RESULTS: Free Practice 2

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.