LP Racing started strongest as its new Pro-Am pairing of Eddie Cheever and Anik Patel set the pace in Free Practice ahead of the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli season opener at Circuit Paul Ricard.
A late flurry of quick laps from the #8 Maserati GT2 duo catapulted them to the top of the times after the first hour of competitive running at the French circuit, culminating in a best effort of 2:04.627s to seal P1.
The Maserati crew jumped ahead of the rapid Mičánek Motorsport powered by Buggyra pairing of Stefan Rosina and Bronek Formanek, who laid down an early marker of intent with second spot in the #11 Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 GT2.
For much of the session it was the Czech squad that had topped the times, with former GT2 Europe vice-champion Rosina leading its charge before finishing 0.290s adrift.
Third fastest was the returning #80 Razoon - more than racing KTM X-BOW GT2 of Thomas Andersen and Simon Birch, beating the #7 Maserati of DINAMIC Motorsport, which begins its maiden full-season campaign with Roberto Pampanini and Mauro Calamia behind the wheel.
With Pro-Am teams locking out the top four positions, the best of the Am runners would be NM Racing Team. The #115 Mercedes-AMG GT2, piloted by Spaniards Alberto de Martin and Nil Montserrat, rounded out the top five overall.
Sixth went to the first of RTR Projects’ three car line-up, the #89 Pro-Am entry of Laura Kraihamer and Mato Homola (KTM) pipping the defending Am class champion Philippe Prette (#1 LP Racing Maserati).
GT2 Europe competitors continue their preparation on Saturday with Pre-Qualifying at 09:40 CEST, followed by two important Qualifying sessions from 15:00.