Max Verstappen was once more the primary man behind the wheel of the Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 as second observe acquired underneath means at Portimão, mirroring the opening operating of FP1.
The Dutchman, driving the #3 automobile, put in a barely shorter run than earlier within the day. He had accomplished 27 laps and greater than half a stint in FP1, however this time was restricted to 12 laps.
Verstappen opened steadily with a 1:45.980, leaving him down in fifty fifth place of the 61 automobiles out on observe. He quickly discovered extra tempo, nevertheless, dropping to a 1:43.482 that moved the crew as much as sixth, with Dylan Pereira 4 tenths faster on the time within the #99 Audi.
Ben Barnicoat took over after Verstappen’s run. The Briton, just like the four-time F1 champion, has been drafted in to cowl for Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon whereas the duo fulfil World Endurance Championship commitments.
Barnicoat couldn’t match Verstappen’s time, although the drivers had been working by way of totally different programmes moderately than purely chasing a single fast lap. The lap depend stood at 25 by the tip of his stint.
Chris Lulham then acquired one other probability to construct mileage, having had solely a single run in FP1. The common Verstappen Racing driver holds essentially the most expertise within the Mercedes of the three, that means Verstappen and Barnicoat, each seasoned GT3 drivers however extra accustomed to the Lexus and McLaren respectively, wanted the observe time extra.
Chris Lulham produces late flyer
Lulham went for a faster run late within the session and produced a 1:43.229, lifting Verstappen Racing from eighth as much as fourth, the place the crew would go on to complete the session.
Barnicoat was handed the closing minutes to collect as a lot info as potential forward of qualifying and the race.
Fabian Schiller was the standout performer within the #17 Mercedes-AMG Staff GetSpeed automobile, the one driver to dip under the 103-second mark with a 1:42.988. A number of drivers had been within the 1:42s throughout FP1, however a hotter observe within the afternoon introduced much less grip and usually slower lap occasions. The #99 Audi and #65 Ford additionally completed forward of Verstappen Racing.
Qualifying for the GTWCE race at Portimão is scheduled to begin at 17:55 native time.
