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GT1: Hexis McLaren takes pole position in Russia

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Khatir Soltani
The Hexis Racing pair of Alvaro Parente and Gregoire Demoustier secured pole position for Sunday’s Qualifying Race in a stunning return to form for McLaren in the seventh round of the GT1 World Championship in Russia.

Conditions were cold and cloudy at Moscow Raceway with the air temperature reaching just 13C. The sun had broken through briefly by the end of the session and track conditions remained dry throughout.

Parente in the No.2 McLaren produced a quickest lap of 1m33.536 around the twists and turns of the Moscow Raceway.

The No.1 McLaren of Fred Makowiecki and Stef Dusseldorp was second fastest in 1m33.726 to round out a good day for the French team.

Third was the No.3 AF Corse Ferrari of Toni Vilander and Filip Salaquarda with a best lap time of 1m34.188. The Ferrari duo had set the pace in free practice but Salaquarda says the change in weather conditions accounted for a slight drop-off in performance.

Misfortune struck the drivers’ championship leaders Michael Bartels and Yelmer Buurman who suffered an engine failure on the No.18 Vita4One Racing BMW.


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada