H14: Biela extends Audi's lead

The diesel-powered machine has led the race since the fourth hour, when the sister car of Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello began to encounter its catalogue of problems.

Biela's cause has been aided in part by Eric Helary's tyre problems in the No.17 Pescarolo.

The second-placed Judd-powered French machine remains close enough to gather up any disaster that may befall the leader, but Helary reckons that as the morning temperatures begin to rise, their Michelin tyres are reacting inconsistently, delivering him severe understeer.

But despite the Frenchman handing over to F1 driver Franck Montagny, the Pescarolo is reasonably safe from attack behind, as it enjoys a six lap advantage over the third-placed Audi with Kristensen at the wheel.

Stephane Sarrazin has taken over from Pedro Lamy in the factory Aston Martin which still leads GT1 and is fourth overall ahead of Olivier Beretta's Corvette.

Andy Wallace remains in charge in LMP2 in the RML Lola, eight laps ahead of the No.27 Miracle Motorsports Courage.

Seikel Motorsport Porsche meanwhile appears to be cruising at the front of GT2 ahead of the Spyker.