At the season finale of the 2017 Blancpain GT Series at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya the Mercedes-AMG cars of French squad AKKA ASP dominated the opening free practice session. Rafaelle Marciello (#90 AKKA ASP Mercedes-AMG) set the fastest time in 1’47.318, which was just under three tenths quicker than team-mate Jules Gounon in the #87 AKKA ASP Mercedes-AMG.
The French youngster set was quickest of the Pro-Am drivers, with Dani Juncadella in the #88 AKKA ASP Mercedes-AMG completing the top-3 overall. A further Mercedes-AMG, the #85 HTP Motorsport car of Dominik Baumann, set the fourth time, with overall championship leader Mirko Bortolotti in the #63 Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini in fifth. Championship contender Vincent Abril ended up in eighth, sharing the #8 Bentley Team M-Sport Continental with the other Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup leaders Andy Soucek and Maxime Soulet.
David Perel (#888 Kessel Racing Ferrari) was quickest of the Am Cup drivers, in 24th overall. The Pre-qualifying session will start at 16.40 CEST, and will be streamed live on www.blancpain-gt-series.com .