Audi UK still has work to do

"We had some issues in the opening session which restricted us to third-fastest," said McNish. "But we made adjustments during the interval which worked well, allowing me to claim pole in the opening minutes of the second session. It was a comfortable lap with no real heroics, as the Audi was working well.

"I ended the first two hours fastest," said Herbert, whose time was ultimately shaded by just two-tenths of a second. "But I was still not entirely happy with the car's handling - it was hard work to achieve. I tried to improve my time immediately after the interval but a combination of traffic and a slight gear selection problem thwarted me. But in general we were happy with the performance."

McNish's co-drivers did not have an easy time of it either. German Frank Biela admitted that it was taking time to get used to the R8 again, as his full-time job is now driving for Audi in the DTM. His countryman Pierre Kaffer damaged the front splitter went he went over a chicane, and admits that he is still learning.

Herbert's team-mates Guy Smith and Jamie Davies reported no problems and steady progress. Smith won last year's race for Bentley with Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello, but now forms part of an all-British lineup.

The sun has re-appeared at Le Mans and there now seems to be a good chance that the sessions tonight will be dry. But with rain earlier today having washed away last night's rubber, it remains to be seen if there will be a chance for drivers to improve times.