The Audi of Britain’s Johnny Herbert claimed a provisional second row grid position after the opening qualifying session for the Le Mans 24 Hours last night (WED).

1991 Le Mans winner Herbert (36), partnered by Ralf Kelleners (D) and Didier Theys (Bel) stopped the clock at 3min 34.349secs in the four hour time trial that concluded at midnight.

"Ralf did a fine job setting up the car," commented Herbert. "I only drove just before midnight in the dark but it was very good and I’m confident that tonight, earlier in the evening, it will be even better and we can go faster."

Frank Biela (D), Tom Kristensen (Den) and Emanuele Pirro (It), last year’s winners of the gruelling French marathon, netted provisional pole-position with a 3mins 32.458secs, an average speed of over 143mph – almost four second under last year’s pole time set by Allan McNish.

The British-based Gulf Audi of Stefan Johansson, BAR Formula One test driver Patrick Lemarié and Dutchman Tom Coronel was eighth fastest in the 48-car field. A further four hour time trial is staged this evening (THURS) in preparation for the 69th running of the famous sportscar endurance race which starts at 1500 (BST) on Saturday afternoon.