Yamaha Austria Racing Team has put the hammer down at the Bol d’Or free practice. Current Qtel FIM Endurance World Championship leader, YART did a best lap in 1’41.375 at Magny Cours. Igor Jerman, Steve Martin and Gwen Giabbani demonstrate from the start their intention to clinch their first world title from this 73rd Bol d’Or. YART leads team GSR Kawasaki (1’42.074). GSR team manager Gilles Stafler said he was very satisfied about Kenny Foray’s performance and his abilities to set-up the bike. He also believes that Kenny Noyes and Javier Fores will make a very competitive trio on the official Kawasaki. Just behind them is the Honda Michelin Power Research Team of William Costes, Matthieu Lagrive and Josep Monge, with a best lap in 1’42.087. Currently, two other favorites are a little behind. The Yamaha France GMT 94 with Sébastien Gimbert, Erwan Nigon and David Checa (1’42.520) is just ahead of the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (1’42.552). The SERT is still finalizing the set-up after the late arrival of Freddy Foray, who is coming from the Junior Team Suzuki to replace Barry Veneman, still injured. “The youngsters have no hang-up”, said Vincent Philippe after the first free practice session, “Freddy was instantly in the pace”. Olivier Four completes the Suzuki official team. The Honda National Motos is fifth from the free practice with a best 1’43.466. Without any pressure, Sébastien Scarnato, Sébastien Jonchière and Lucas de Carolis might race ahead with the top teams. In the Superstock class, the Junior Team Suzuki took advantage from the Qatar Endurance Racing Team.