Aleshin Leads Mercedes-AMG 1-2 in Abu Dhabi FP2

Mikhail Aleshin led a 1-2 for Mercedes-AMG squads in Free Practice 2 ahead of the Gulf 12 Hours.

The former LMP1 and NTT IndyCar Series racer steered the No. 13 CapitalRT by Motopark Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo to a best time of 1:53.696 to top the second of three practice sessions held on Saturday.

Aleshin’s best effort, which came in the final five minutes, was 0.059 seconds quicker than Marvin Dienst in the No. 81 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG.

Simon Birch was third in the No. 14 Razoon – More than Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R, followed by Axcil Jefferies aboard the No. 2 Into Africa Racing by HAAS RT Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II.

Ben Barnicoat picked up fifth at the wheel of the No. 69 Optimum Motorsport McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, while the No. 44 Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG entered the top ten for the first time as Jayden Ojeda set a 1:54.406 to take sixth.

A late lap from Giacomo Altoe secured seventh for the No. 88 DFYNE by Dragon Ferrari 296 GT3, a mere 0.009 seconds faster than a similarly late flyer from Inception Racing’s Ollie Millroy.

The overall top ten was rounded out by the No. 77 Al Manar by Dragon Ferrari of Al Faisal Al Zubair and Maro Engel in the No. 16 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG.

Marco Pulcini kept the No. 8 Garage 59 McLaren atop the GT3-Am standings in 16th overall.

A final, two-hour practice session is scheduled for 2:40 p.m. GST (5:40 a.m. ET).

RESULTS: Free Practice 2