Peugeot leads into closing stages

Alex Wurz leads team-mate Franck Montagny; the 908 pair a lap ahead of the Audi R15 of Allan McNish. Montagny produced the best stint of the race, which included the only sub-1m08s lap so far, to get the #08 Peugeot into the lead, but the way he took P1 was bizarre.

Dindo Capello was leading the race, with the delayed sister car of Benoit Treluyer between him and the chasing Peugeot. But as Capello entered the esses, his balaclava slipped down over his eyes, leaving him temporarily blinded. Naturally he backed off, which unintentionally baulked Treluyer, allowing Montagny to pass them both in one move!

Capello pitted at the end of the lap, handing over to a surprised McNish. During the stop they dropped a lap to the Peugeots, which could prove crucial in the final reckoning. Peugeot opted to pit just Montagny at the next full-course caution, ensuring McNish did not get a lap back. But a loose rear light on the Wurz 908 could yet scupper its hopes of a one-two.

The fraught GT battle rages on with Gimmi Bruni leading for Ferrari. But the leading half a dozen cars have rarely been more than 30 seconds apart and it is anyone's guess as to who will prevail.

LMP2 honours are more clear-cut with the Highcroft HPD holding a massive nine-lap lead over the CytoSport Porsche.