Much of the circuit has also been resurfaced over recent months, and the newer sections offer much better grip than the old, so times appear much faster than they did twelve months ago. “It is much grippier around most of the circuit,” agreed Tommy’s regular co-driver, Mike Newton, who shared the #7 Saleen during the first of two practice sessions. He handed the car back to Erdos for the final fifteen minutes, and it was during these closing moments that the Brazilian set his best times. “I think it was a good effort by everyone concerned,” he said. “We were still bedding in brakes and other new components at the beginning, so I couldn’t push until late in the session. An hour and a half goes very quickly when you’re sharing, especially with these long laps, so we were delighted to be up there with the best.”

Thursday’s second session took place in the early afternoon. “We split the two periods fairly,” observed Thomas Erdos. “Mike and I shared the first session, then Chris and Miguel went out in the afternoon session.” The #7 was 11th fastest on 2:22.082, with Miguel Ramos setting the time. Barely had the engine cooled before the first of two evening qualifying periods began. This one started in daylight, but was interrupted after just ten minutes by a major engine fire in one of the Konrad Saleens. This halted the session for almost twenty minutes while the flames were brought under control and the debris cleared away. By the time the track re-opened, the best of the conditions had passed and daylight was already beginning to fade.