It was in sunshine and summer temperatures at 10am (2pm UK) that competitors set off for one hour of official free practice. Three red flags caused by competitors of the American Le Mans Series interrupted the session for several minutes while the track was cleared.

Romain Dumas was fastest in the Audi R18 #3 with a best time of 1'48'' 626, more than a second from his immediate pursuer Klaus Graf in the HPD-Honda #6 of Muscle Milk, a competitor of the American Le Mans Series. A second Audi R18, the #1 of Marcel Fässler completed the top three in LM P1 and overall.

"We made ​​some modifications on the car since the days of testing, especially on the front", said Romain Dumas. "It is not easy to achieve a good time because of traffic: when we pass a slower car, we leave the ideal line, the tyres get dirty and the grip is slow to return. "

Level 5 Motorsports (ALMS) monopolized the top positions in the LM P2 class: Joao Barbosa had the fastest time with the HPD Honda #055 in 1'52'' 680, five tenths ahead of John Martin and Oreca-Nissan Oreca #25 of ADR-Delta (WEC). The sister car #95 of Level 5 Motorsports was placed third.

In LM GTE Pro, nine cars are all in the same second. Oliver Gavin leads the pack for the Corvette Racing (ALMS) in 2'01'' 514, or .009 ahead of the BMW #56 of RLL (ALMS). Toni Vilander hoisted the #51 AF Corse Ferrari to third place, less than a tenth behind the leader.

Finally, in LM GTE Am, honours for the best time went to Dominik Farnbacher in Ferrari #58 of the French team Luxury Racing with a time of 2'02'' 988, ahead of the #88 Porsche of Team Felbermayr-Proton and Ferrari #57 of Krohn Racing.

After the lunch break, the drivers take the track for the second free practice session at 2:50 p.m. (6:50pm UK).

Dave Davies

Photo: SEBRING (FLORIDA, USA), Sebring, Sebring 12 Hours, Tuesday, March 13, 2012, PRIVATE TESTING. Romain Dumas and Audi have distinguished themselves by achieving the fastest time of the first free practice session of the 12 Hours of Sebring.