Bol d’Or free practices The BMW BMP Elf 99 makes strong impression Only just switched to the official BMW, the Team BMP Elf 99 has already signed the best time at the Magny-Cours free practice. Previously racing on a private Honda, this Belgian team has taken over the official BMW and their Michelin tyres, ridden by three of the best endurance specialists: Sébastien Gimbert, Erwan Nigon and Matthieu Lagrive. During the free practice session, which started out on a wet and then finishing on a dry race track, the BMP signed its best lap in 1’41.862. The BMW now needs to prove that they can hold the same rhythm for 24 hours. In great shape also is the Honda Michelin Power Research Team (1’42.539) of William Costes, Hugo Marchand and Josep Monge, who is marginally faster than 2009 Qtel FIM Endurance World Champion Yamaha Austria Racing Team (1’42.586) and 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans winning team GSR Kawasaki. With the fifth best lap, Honda National Motos testified once again that they are not racing for honorary positions. Struggling with some electronic problems, the Suzuki Endurance is not currently sitting where they should be. Just behind the SERT is the Suzuki Junior Team LMS, confirming once again their Superstock class leadership. Yamaha France GMT 94 Ipone is in eighth place, which is fair enough considering their technical change. As they have switched from Bridgestone to Michelin, they need to work seriously on their chassis set-up. The first qualification session is taking place later this afternoon and the day will end with the first night practice. To follow the live timing, log onto www.orion-timing.com/results.htm The sky was cloudy today but the weather should be mild for the weekend.