Perry McCarthy will start tomorrow's Le Mans 24-hour race from third on the grid following final qualifying last night.

The Billericay driver -- contesting the French endurance race for Audi Sport UK with three-times winner Frank Biela and Mika Salo -- went into the session in provisional third slot.

But the trio's Audi R8 sportscar slipped to sixth until defending Le Mans champion Biela pulled out a 3:35.745 in darkness around the famous 8.48-mile circuit.

McCarthy, 41, was happier with yesterday's qualifying following problems with his seat on Wednesday night.

"It was more enjoyable for me tonight," said McCarthy, who is making his fifth Le Mans start.

"I felt more comfortable in the car so got my head down, relaxed and enjoyed myself out there in the dark and I was pleased with my times."

Essex-born Johnny Herbert will start from second on the grid with fellow Brits Mark Blundell and David Brabham in their Bentley Speed 8. The other works Bentley, driven by Tom Kristensen, Dindo Capello, and Guy Smith, retained pole position.

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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