May 10, 2008
At its third running in the European Le Mans Series, the Audi R10 TDI starts to the race from the front row of the grid for the first time. In qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Allan McNish managed to push himself between the two Peugeot 908s. Mike Rockenfeller in the second R10 TDI of Audi Sport Team Joest secured fourth place on the grid despite having been obstructed on his fastest lap.
Due to accidents the qualifying on the 7.003-kilometre Grand Prix circuit in the Ardennes had to be stopped twice. Therefore, Audi Sport Team Joest’s strategy of going out at the very beginning of the 20-minute session paid off. When the red flags were flown for the first time, both Audi R10 TDI cars were at the front of the field.
Allan McNish on his first and only flying lap set a time of 1m 58.795s, which was only beaten by Stéphane Sarrazin in the quicker of the two Peugeots shortly before the end of qualifying. McNish decided not to go out for another trial in order to save the tyres for the race.
Mike Rockenfeller, as well, did his quickest lap at the very beginning of qualifying. The young German had to overtake two other cars and was slowed by a car spinning in front of him in the chicane before the start and finish. Nevertheless, he managed taking fourth place on the grid. After the first red flag period, "Rocky" went out again but was not able to improve on used tyres any more.
Mike Rockenfeller and his team-mate Alexandre Prémat will start to the third round of the Le Mans Series as the leaders of the drivers’ standings on Sunday at 12:50. Eurosport will broadcast the starting phase live from 12:45 and, starting at 10:45 p.m. (local time), will air a half-hour summary report.
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