The #4 Black Falcon Mercedes-AMG of Maro Engel and Luca Stolz topped a busy second free practice session at Brands Hatch.
The reigning Endurance Cup champions are a new addition to the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe field this year, but wasted little time in displaying their pace by emerging on top amid changeable conditions.
The weather fluctuated between bright sunshine and a number of heavy rain showers during the one-hour session, with the Black Falcon car setting its best time during a period of bright sunshine at the Kent circuit.
The #2 Belgian Audi Club Team WRT crew of Chris Mies and Charles Weerts was second quickest, while the #63 Grasser Racing Lamborghini of Mirko Bortolotti and Christian Engelhart took P3.
Attempto Racing led the Silver Cup runners, with its #56 Audi R8 LMS registering the eighth best time overall. Among the Pro-Am contenders, the #52 AF Corse Ferrari topped the order and registered the 17th best time overall.
The session ended a few minutes early after the #1 WRT Audi crashed, leaving insufficient time to restart, though the driver was unharmed. Qualifying will take place this afternoon at 15.55, with two 20-minute sessions set to be disputed at Brands Hatch.