The pace of the opening stages of the first session was tremendous. Kumpen, Scheider & co were really flying. After 25 minutes, the #9 Vitaphone Maserati of van de Poele, Scheider and Bartels is yet again at front in 2.14.845, 2-thents faster than last years pole. Maserati takes over power in Spa, with 20 minutes to go, the entire front row is under the trident sign. The #9 Vitaphone leads the #15 JMB of former F1-driver Karl Wendlinger.

In the different classes, Porsche leads. In GT2, the #88 Gruppe M of Collard, Sudgen and Ortelli are at front, PSI-Motorsport (Coens/Blanchemain/Beltoise) does the same in G2 and Mühlner with ea Vanina Ickx is top of class G3. The main victim of this qualifying was the #3 GPC 575 of ea Stéphane Léméret. The car suffered a broken driveshaft and only managed to do 2 laps. The #121 Force One Viper did not get out due to a broken fuel pump, the #66 Gruppe M Porsche staid in his box after the crash this afternoon and finally the #173 Baron Porsche will have another engine fitted for tomorrow.

The session was stopped just before the end due to a bad positioned car, the #69 Ried Porsche. Meanwhile rain starts pouring down on the track.

The second session starts under heavy rain, with a light and sound show high in the sky. The chance to see any times bettered is rather small.

Most top teams come out immediately in order to secure the obligated night laps of each driver. Fastest after 30’ is the #28 Aston-Martin DBR9 of Brabham, Turner and Sarrazin setting an astonishing 2.33.666.

Meanwhile both the #121 Force One Viper and the #66 Gruppe M Porsche go out for the first time after being repaired. The drivers have to qualify in these special conditions. No easy job at all. The #173 Porsche does not seem to appear on track as is the Lister. “We pack up for the night, all three drivers have done their laps, it’s ok,” tells David Pearce, team manager of Lister. The #3 GPC Ferrari also rejoins after its earlier driveshaft gremlins.

Second fastest after one hour, right behind the green Aston is the #22 SRT Corvette. The Belgian weather suits the Belgian Corvette.

Even if from time to time, cars go off, no serious incidents seem to happen.

Under the chequered flag the #10 JMB Maserati takes the spoils. Babini sets a 2.33.243. What a lap!

The grid could be fixed, as we have to believe weather predictions for the upcoming race. An all-Maserati front-row? Wait and see tomorrow...

© Joost Custers