Maserati, which qualified 3rd in class, will start from the back of the grid for the third round of the American Le Mans Series at Mid-Ohio.

Driver Fabrizio De Simone had just put in his fastest lap and was poised to improve the grid position, when the car spun in a tight section causing the tyres to flat-spot. The car did not go off course, however for the start of the race the tyres will need to be changed, resulting in the final qualifying position. The team remains confident for the race as development to the car, specifically modifications to the bonnet aimed at increasing down force, have provided good results.

Pole position in the category went to the Chevrolet Corvette C6R with Gavin and Beretta behind the wheel who set a 1:18.033. Next came Fellows and O'Connell in the other C6R, who posted a 1:18.131. A little further back was the Saleen S7R with Borcheller and Mowlem on board. They came fourth in the class in 1:19.055. Both Corvettes and the Maserati MC12 beat the GT1 lap record set in 2004. This statistic proves how much the cars have improved in only a year.
 

From free practice on it was clear that the battle for pole position would be between the Corvettes and the Maserati. After the rain that fell during Friday's sessions, the weather improved greatly. Gradually more rubber was put down on the track, allowing the drivers to set fast times during the twenty minute stints to decide the starting grid.

If track conditions mirror those of Saturday, the average lap times in the GT1 class could range from 1:19.500 to 1:20.500. The reduced gap between the Corvette C6R and the MC12 is a sign of the progress made by the Trident squad. There are high hopes for the third round of the ALMS series, an event that begins at 12.00 local time on Sunday. The best times set in the other classes are: LMP1 Shimoda/Chilton (Zytek 04S), 1:11.333, overall pole; LMP2 J.Field/C.Field (Lola-AER B05/40), 1:14.699; GT2 Bernhard/Dumas (Porsche 911 GT3-RSR), 1:22.663.