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GT1 - Slovakiaring - Vita4One Racing BMW sets the early pace

The Vita4One Racing duo Mathias Lauda (DEU) and Nikolaus Mayr-Melnhof (AUT) underlined BMW's liking for the Slovakia Ring by topping the time sheets in Free Practice 1 as the sixth round of the FIA GT1 World Championship began in Slovakia.

Lauda produced a best lap of 2:02.023 in the No.17 BMW Z4 right at the end of the 1:20 session.

"We found a very good balance with the car. When I first jumped in it didn't feel that good but we made some set-up changes and by the end of the session it felt really good and I was able to do a good lap," Lauda said.

"It's good to first in Free Practice but tomorrow in Qualifying is what counts but at least we have started well and we have a good platform."

"Our car is always good when there are a lot of quick corners so this tracks suits the BMW very well. We have a lot of downforce so the more quick corners we have the better we are. To be on the pace straight away is a good way to start the weekend."

Second fastest was the No.32 Belgian Audi Club Audi R8 LMS ultra of Stephane Ortelli (MON) and Laurens Vanthoor (BEL) with 2:02.080.

Third was the No.38 ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport Mercedes of German pair Marc Basseng and Markus Winkelhock in 2:02.112.

Fourth fastest was the No.18 BMW of Michael Bartels (DEU) and Yelmer Buurman (NLD) with 2:02.136. Bartels and Buurman were the Championship Race winners at the June round at the Slovakia Ring.

The second Free Practice session starts at 15:10 today.

FIA GT1 Slovakia Ring Friday II

FIA GT1 Slovakia Ring Friday

FIA GT1 Slovakia Ring Thursday