BMW surprised by Corvette pace

The two M3 GTs have had the legs of the GTE Pro field throughout practice and qualifying, but their Corvette Racing rivals have proved unexpectedly quick during the race thus far.

"We're surprised how fast the 'Vettes are - their race pace is much stronger than we expected," #56 BMW driver Priaulx told AUTOSPORT. "We're happy with our pace, though, and we know the fight is on with Ferrari and Corvette. It's going to be a long, long night."

The team is happy with the balance of the M3, even after an occasionally awkward first stint for Priaulx following a change in tyre strategy.

"We're only double stinting the tyres but it's working well," said Priaulx, "we've got no plans to triple stint at the moment as it doesn't benefit us, but we'll see.

"The tyres and the car are working really well. Our qualifying tyre was great and our race tyre is pretty much the same as everybody else's. There's a small drop off in performance towards the end of the double stint - it's mostly on the rear on corner entry but it's not too bad. You just have to drive around it."