The No. 7 Audi of Tom Kristensen holds a narrow lead as the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta enters its second half.
Superb pitwork from the Joest crew put the Le Mans legend in the lead as all the leaders pitted following the fourth full-course yellow of the race. The lightning quick driver change moved Kristensen ahead of the No. 07 Peugeot of Marc Gene, which came into the pits leading courtesy of Anthony Davidson.
The Briton had repelled a concerted charge from Dindo Capello during his stint, but the gap was seldom more than a couple of seconds. The No. 08 Peugeot, now driven by Pedro Lamy, is slightly further back in third having lost track position with a lengthy stop.
In the preceding hour Stephane Sarrazin made a bid for second, but misjudged his dive under Capello at the chicane and half spun. Despite a series of blistering laps he was never able to get the lead pair back in sight. Following Andre Lotterer's damaging trip across the curbs, the No. 9 Audi lost 15 laps but is back on track in 10th overall.
The Highcroft HPD, now in the hands of Marino Franchitti, has a comfortable two-lap lead in LMP2, while Corvette has now established a 1-2 in GT2, with Antonio Garcia narrowly ahead of teammate Emmanuel Collard.