Ezequiel Perez Companc made the best possible return to the cockpit in this morning's opening practice session at Zandvoort by topping the times aboard his #1 Audi R8 LMS.
The Argentine driver missed the previous Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe event at Misano after a heavy crash during the early stages of the Circuit Paul Ricard 1000kms. Now back to full fitness, Perez Companc led the way with a best effort of 1m36.892s aboard the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT entry.
Audi machinery locked out the top four positions, with Rik Breakers going second fastest in the #10 Belgian Audi Club Team WRT car. Sainteloc Racing duo Steven Palette and Simon Gachet took third and fourth respectively, followed by leading Mercedes-AMG runners Maro Engel (#4 Black Falcon) and Raffaele Marciello (#88 AKKA ASP Team).
Second-placed Breukers was also the quickest of the Silver Cup contenders. David Perel led the Pro-Am class in his #333 Rinaldi Racing Ferrari, while Wolfgang Triller (#444 HB Racing Ferrari) posted the best time in the lone Am Cup entry.
The session began in dry conditions, but a rain shower during the final 30 minutes prevented any late changes to the order. Further rain is possible later on Friday, though the weekend itself is forecast to remain dry.
The second free practice session gets underway at 13.40, while qualifying (09.00) and the opening 60-minute race (14.35) take place during a busy Saturday. The weekend concludes on Sunday, with the second race getting underway at 14.15.
• Session times