Heady mix of qualifying and racing heralds Saturday at Silverstone

The 24 hours countdown to the first round of the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship has arrived at a sunny Silverstone this morning and the expectation levels are increasing rapidly.

After the first two Free Practice sessions yesterday, the first indications of pace and a pecking order throughout the classes have started to take shape. With a variable weather forecast for race day the fans look set to be offered up some special Easter treats this weekend.

The manufacturers will go head-to-head in LMP1 and LMGTE Pro, while a new era dawns in LMP2 with faster and more spectacular machinery.

A feast of other races supporting the main event are on offer. The first rounds of the European Le Mans Series, the FIA European F3 Championship and the World Series Formula V8 3.5 will ensure action all the way.

Fans this weekend will also have free access to Grandstands and the paddock areas, including a special WEC entertainment area and fun fair.

WEC Qualifying is scheduled to take place between 13.00 and 13.50. Straight afterwards at 14.30, the European Le Mans Series will get underway for four hours of LMP2, LMP3 and GT duelling.

Stay tuned to all the action here on the official WEC site and get the live stream and timing via the ELMS website - http://europeanlemansseries.com