On the sunny Saturday of 17 October 2026, the LMGT3 field gathered for a pivotal qualifying session that would shape the weekend’s race line-up. The ambient temperature hovered at a comfortable 20 °C, providing optimal grip for the slick tyres and allowing teams to extract maximum performance without the need for aggressive cooling strategies.
Qualifying format and ambient conditions
The initial segment of the session featured bronze-rated drivers tasked with posting times fast enough to enter the elite hyperpole phase. This format, designed to promote driver development while preserving competitive balance, required each bronze pilot to finish within the top ten The dry track and moderate temperature meant that tyre temperatures rose steadily, rewarding smooth inputs and precise braking points.
Bronze class battle and the road to hyperpole
All participating manufacturers managed to place at least one car into the hyperpole line-up, with the sole exception of Aston Martin. Both of its Vantage AMR entries fell short of the top-ten threshold, highlighting the fine margins that the 20-degree environment produced. In the provisional order after the bronze phase, a Corvette topped the list, while only a single Ferrari – car number 21 – succeeded in advancing beyond the cut-off, underscoring the challenge faced by the Italian marque on this day.
Hyperpole showdown and final grid formation
When the session progressed to the hyperpole stage, the grid was populated by the series’ silver-rated drivers. Here, the competition intensified dramatically. Thomas Fleming in the McLaren card out-performed every rival, capturing his second pole position of the season – his first having come at the opening round in Imola. The driver’s flawless lap was the product of a well-executed strategy orchestrated by Antares Au whose engineering input ensured the car reached the perfect balance between downforce and straight-line speed.
Trailing Fleming, the Porsche fielded by Riccardo Pera secured the runner-up spot, staying within a narrow margin that hinted at a fierce battle for the top. The highest-placed Ferrari was driven by Simon Mann who earned a respectable third-place start, keeping the legendary marque in the mix despite its limited representation in the hyperpole.
The final qualifying order reflected a diverse manufacturer spread: McLaren on pole, Porsche second, Ferrari third, while the previously leading Corvette fell back after the hyperpole reshuffle. This outcome not only demonstrated the depth of talent across the grid but also emphasized how the 20 °C, dry conditions amplified the importance of driver skill and team setup.
Thomas Fleming’s performance cemented his status as a leading contender for the race win, while the narrow gaps among the top three manufacturers promise an exciting battle for victory under the same favorable weather conditions.
