Heinrich Tops Paul Ricard Pre-Qualifying

Laurin Heinrich went fastest for Schumacher CLRT in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup Pre-Qualifying at Paul Ricard.

The German steered the No. 22 Porsche 911 GT3 R to a best lap of 1:54.311, setting a time that was 0.135 seconds faster than Jules Gounon in the No. 17 Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo that led Free Practice earlier on Friday.

Sven Mueller picked up third in the No. 96 Rutronik Racing Porsche ahead of the Gold Cup-leading No. 333 Paul Motorsport Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 piloted by Maximilian Paul.

Arthur Rougier rounded out the top five aboard the No. 111 CSA Racing McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, 0.070 seconds faster than the No. 63 GRT Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini driven by Luca Engstler.

Thomas Preining and Kelvin van der Linde picked up seventh and eighth for Pure Rxcing and Team WRT, respectively, with the latter a mere 0.002 seconds faster than the No. 59 Garage 59 McLaren that had Joseph Loake at the wheel.

Michele Beretta rounded out the top ten, leading the Silver Cup ranks in the No. 60 Vincenzo Sospiri Racing Lamborghini.

Bronze Cup, meanwhile, was led by Loek Hartog’s No. 97 Rutronik Racing Porsche in 17th overall.

The 60-minute session went by without red flags, although it did feature an off for Paradine Competition’s Sean Gelael, who hit the barriers at Turn 2 in the opening minutes.

The No. 991 BMW M4 GT3 EVO returned to the pits and returned after initial repairs, going on to complete twelve laps and ending the session in 57th overall.

Qualifying at Paul Ricard will take place Saturday at 11:50 a.m. CEST (5:50 a.m. EDT).