Based on these times, we're going to see SERT and Kawasaki France fighting for the lead, while YART, Maco Moto, Bolliger and Phase One scrap for the last place on the podium. We expect to see the top IDM teams up at the front for the first hour, but then slipping back as the pitstops start to take effect.

Diablo Kawasaki's warm up didn't go according to plan, with the team down in 22nd place after experiencing set-up problems. Alex Cudlin: "You know it's going badly when you're slower than both the BMWs…"

Pit Walk

Last night's pit walk was interrupted by yet another very heavy shower, just as it was getting going. No sign of Oompah Band this year, but before the rain came we did get to see the full-dress Harley Electra Glide wheelying the length of the start-finish straight with it's top box dragging on the track.

Wilding's bike after his Macau rash. Photo Roger Bennett...

We also caught up with Erwin Wilding during the pit walk. He had a horrendous crash at the 2004 Macau Grand Prix, sustaining life-threatening injuries that were treated initially in Macua before he was flown home to Austria in time for a Christmas that many feared would be his last. This is the first time he has made it back to the World Endurance paddock and it was great to see him propelling his wheel chair to the front of the throng surrounding the Yamaha Austria promo girls.

Erwin Wilding, back in the paddock...

He's a long way from full fitness and his presence yesterday served to reminded us of the risks that the riders take when they race, and the price that some pay for competing at the highest level.

Keep on Healing, Erwin!

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