25.04.2004 HOT AND SUNNY CONDITIONS AS THE TEAMS PREPARE FOR TODAY'S PRELIMINARY PRACTICE SESSIONS AT LE MANS

Le Mans preliminary practice and pre-qualifying got underway on Friday with the first scruitineering session. The weekend kicked off with ideal hot and sunny conditions for the fifty three cars attending.

Yesterday the remainder of the teams, including the Prodrive Ferrari 550 Maranellos and the JMB Racing Ferrari 360 Modena underwent checks, and with everyone successfully through, the full track action takes place today, held over two four hour sessions, split by a break for lunch.

Friday revealed the Pagani Zonda GR sportscar for the first time this year, the Italian GTS class supercar now running in the hands of Phillipe Alliot's experienced Force One Racing outfit.

The Zonda is essentially in the same specification as last year, but with a new race engine and transmission. The tub has been replaced by a new one after it was written off during a test session at Valleluga three weeks ago.

The two Prodrive entered, Care owned, Ferrari 550 Maranellos successfully completed scruitineering checks yesterday and all eyes will be on the pace of these cars which will start as clear GTS class favourites.

Of particular interest will be the speed of former World Rally Champion Colin McRae as he attempts to adapt to track racing. The Scottish star is joined by a very strong line-up of proven sportscar racers. He will be sharing the no 65 car with Darren Turner and Rickard Rydell, while the no 66 car will be crewed by three Prodrive regulars Alain Menu, Peter Kox and Tomas Enge.

The GT class JMB Racing Ferrari 360 Modena entry, also passed through yesterday, and the black car will be driven today by J.R de Fournoux, Stephane Daoudi, both former WR-Peugeot pilots at Le Mans, and another sportscar regular, Brazilian Jose de Melo.

Meanwhile at Labre Competition, French sportscar racer Olivier Dupard has been drafted in to join Christophe Bouchet and Patrice Gouselard in their Care Ferrari 550 Maranello.