The first session under the lights at the Bahrain International Circuit ended with the no14 Porsche 919 hybrid of Neel Jani posting a time that was 0.8 seconds faster than the no8 Toyota TS040 and two seconds quicker than the best time set by the championship leading car in the earlier session. Each driver was obliged to complete three full timed laps during the night session and everyone was able to do this.
All the teams improved their best times compared to the first Free Practice session, with the no20 Porsche finishing third fastest, one second behind their teammates and one second ahead of the two Audis, with the no1 car setting the quicker time of the two R18s.
The two Toyota powered Rebellion R-Ones finished seventh and eighth, with the no12 car leading the way in the LMP1-L. After the earlier gearbox failure, the Lotus mechanics worked hard to get their drivers out on track. However late into the session Pierre Kaffer had to return to the pits after the car was reported to be dropping oil.
The no26 G-Drive Racing Ligier-Nissan was once again the lead car in LMP2, finishing the session 0.7 seconds ahead of the no37 SMP Racing Oreca-Nissan, with Olivier Pla improving the time set in the first session by 0.2 sessions. The KCMG Oreca Nissan was third fastest, one second behind the G-Drive Ligier.
The third and final Free Practice session will take place tomorrow morning at 11:10 (local) / 09:10 CET, the last chance to set up the cars for qualifying for the 6 Hours of Bahrain at 17:00 (local) / 15:00 CET.
CLICK HERE for the results from Free Practice
Jeff Carter
