The Italian ex-Formula 1 driver posted a last-gasp time of 1:38.359 to snatch pole from Dries Vanthoor’s #20 BMW M Hybrid V8, which was just shy of securing the Bavarian manufacturer’s first-ever WEC top-class pole position.

This marked Giovinazzi’s second pole in the last four rounds, after securing one at COTA in 2024. Ferrari AF Corse became the fourth team to achieve five overall poles, following Audi, Toyota, and Porsche LMP1 Team. Additionally, this was the second time the 499P had qualified on pole for a season-opener, following Sebring’s 2023 curtain-raiser.

In third position was the #50 AF Corse Ferrari, driven by Antonio Fuoco. Alongside the second of the Ferraris on the second row of the grid was the better of the Cadillac V-Series.Rs, run by the Hertz Team JOTA squad. Alex Lynn posted the fastest time in the #12 car, while his teammate Sebastien Bourdais qualified the #30 car in fifth, completing a strong start for the new team-manufacturer partnership.

The second BMW, driven by Robin Frijns, secured sixth, ensuring that two BMWs joined the Ferraris and Cadillacs in the top six. The top ten was rounded out by the #7 Toyota Gazoo Hypercar, the #83 AF Corse Ferrari, the #35 Alpine, and the #93 Peugeot TotalEnergies entry.

MCLAREN FRONT-ROW LOCKOUT IN LMGT3
United Autosports’ McLarens claimed a second consecutive WEC 1-2 in qualifying, with the #95 McLaren LMGT3, driven by Sean Gelael, securing the first pole position of the 2025 season. Gelael made a brilliant start to his McLaren career with a flawless lap, finishing ahead of the sister #59 United Autosports McLaren, driven by Sebastien Baud, with a gap of 0.2s. This pole was Gelael’s first in the WEC.

This pole was Gelael’s first in the WEC. McLaren now holds the most poles in LMGT3, with three to its name. United Autosports became the first team to claim consecutive LMGT3 poles, following their front-row lockouts in both Bahrain and Qatar.

The McLarens made it to the Hyperpole session thanks to the efforts of Darren Leung and James Cottingham, respectively. This was first time when the new regulations, which mandate Silver-ranked drivers to run in the Hyperpole session, were in place.

Third on the grid for tomorrow’s race is the #78 Akkodis ASP Lexus, driven by WEC rookie Finn Gehrsitz. Joining the Lexus on the second row is the #54 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 LMGT3, driven by Francesco Castellacci.