PWC: Beretta tops first GT practice in Monterey

GT Drivers' Championship contender Olivier Beretta posted the fastest time in the GT practice session at the Pirelli World Challenge Grand Prix of Monterey at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca presented by Cadillac. Martin Fuentes was fastest in GTA, while Colin Thompson posted the fastest time in GT Cup.

The 30-minute practice session was held under sunny 78 degree conditions.

Early on, Beretta posted a 1:25.584 to top the charts, while Eric Lux in the No. 08 Rembrandt Charms/Monticello Motor Club went to the top of the charts in GTA with a 1:26.135. GT Cup points leader Thompson, in the No. 11 Porsche of Bucks County/Penn Valley Constructors/Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes/Austin Hatcher Foundation Kelly-Moss Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup topped the charts with a 1:29.476.

Minutes later, Ryan Dalziel in the No. 31 EFFORT Racing/World PMO Porsche 911 GT3R went to the top of the GT charts with a 1:24.902, only to have Beretta move back to the top with a 1:24.619.

Near the end of the session, Fuentes in the No. 07 Scuderia Corsa/Hublot/Samsung/Under Armour Ferrari 458 GT3 Italia topped the GTA charts with a 1:25.907. Thompson's time held for the duration of the session.

Of note, GT points leader Johnny O'Connell in the No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac ATS-VR GT3 posted a 1:25.885 for 11th on the charts.