H19: Capello takes over lead Audi

Allan McNish, who had been in the No.2 Audi since around 06:00, continued to pull away right up to the pitstops.

Peugeot then changed some bodywork at No.7's stop, resulting in Nicolas Minassian returning to the track a lap down on the leading Audi, now being driven by Rinaldo Capello.

The No.9 Peugeot continues to hold third. Christian Klien had been losing ground to Lucas Luhr in the No.3 Audi, but responded. Klien then stayed in the car during the stops, while Alexandre Premat climbed aboard No.3, the gap extending to around one minute prior to the next round of pit visits.

Behind the lonely sixth-placed No.8 Peugeot, the No.17 Pescarolo continues to lead the petrol entry, six laps clear of the No.5 Courage Oreca.

The Van Mersteijn Motorsport Porsche RS Spyder is now well clear in the battle for LMP2 honours, but there is a dice for second. The recovering Team Essex Porsche has now past the Team Saulnier Pescarolo, the two remaining close.

Aston Martin continue to lead the GT1 category from the two works Chevrolet Corvettes with its 009 car, while the Risi Competizione Ferrari 430 GT2 looks comfortable at the head of GT2.