The #1 Rebellion Racing R13 of Bruno Senna, Gustavo Menezes and Norman Nato secured pole position for the 2020 Lone Star Le Mans in Austin, Texas. The Rebellion crew enjoyed a clear pace advantage over the pair of works Toyotas, posting an average lap time 1.6s faster than the factory cars.
The Rebellion Racing performance was all the more impressive after engine issues saw the team replace the power unit after FP2. The Swiss team are the sole LMP1 privateer competition present in Texas after Ginetta’s withdrawal due to logistical issues.
Toyota Gazoo Racing, who have never won at COTA in five appearances between 2013 and 2017, will be looking to overcome the disadvantage on pace. The #7 TS050 Hybrid will start the race from the front row ahead of the #8 machine.
Aston Martin top tight GTE Pro field
Aston Martin Racing went fastest in the GTE Pro class on two-lap average in COTA qualifying. The Danish-crewed #95 Vantage AMR’s fastest average lap time of 2:00.733 was just two tenths quicker than the second-placed #92 Porsche 911 RSR-19 of Michael Christensen and Kévin Estre.
Rounding out the top three in qualifying was the sister Aston Martin of Alex Lynn and Maxime Martin. Guest starters Corvette Racing, entering their new-for-2020 mid-engined C8.R for the first time in the WEC, were around two seconds off the pace.
Second pole of the season for Cool Racing
The #42 Cool Racing Oreca prevailed in a tight battle for pole with the #22 United Autosports crew. The pole time of 1:49.910 was just 0.163s faster than the #22 crew’s fastest average lap time. The #36 Signatech Alpine ELF Alpine will start the race from third, with championship leaders Jackie Chan DC Racing (#37) back in fourth.
Pole for Project 1
GTE Am pole went to the #56 Team Project 1 Porsche of Egidio Perfetti, Laurents Hörr and Matteo Cairoli ahead of the #98 Aston Martin Racing team. Championship leaders AF Corse (#83) will start the race in fifth position.
Click here for a full run-down of the qualifying results.
Images FIA WEC press material © 2020 Marius Hecker / AdrenalMedia.com