Ryan Briscoe scored the GTLM class pole at Circuit of The Americas today, using the “homework” from recent testing here in Texas to good effect.

The Australian ace was a massive .506 of a second faster than the Risi Ferrari of Toni Vilander – and eternity in GTLM terms where sometimes the entire field can be covered by less than that margin.

Porsche showed improved pace this week in Texas to be third and fourth fastest while the second Ford of Dirk Mueller could only manage fifth fastest after electing to set a different set up on the No.66 Le Mans-winning Ford he shares with Joey Hand.

Briscoe and teammate Richard Westbrook will be targeting their fourth series victory of 2016 as they attempt to chase down points leaders, Corvette Racing’s Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner.

“Its firstly great to have all four Ford GTs here this weekend,” Briscoe said.

“We’ve been sharing information all year long. Big thanks to everyone at CGR and Ford Performance. We tested here last week and I think that played a huge part in unloading with a couple of good race cars.

“Its a difficult track, conditions change all the time. Testing has helped us a lot. We’ll see if some of our information can carry over to the WEC team. they are using different compound tires than us. The engineers have been having regular meetings. The drivers have just been chatting, and we’ve been sharing the timing stand, and those guys have been hanging out talking, nothing structured. But the engineers are having structured meetings.

Briscoe is looking forward to finishing the year strong and pushing hard for the championship with only this weekend and the all-important series finale at Petit Le Mans to follow.

“We have to keep doing our job. Our cars have been good. Its been consistent. But its a long race tomorrow. A lot is going to happen,” he said.

“If its like other races in this series, anything can happen. There are a lot of guys pushing hard for their result as well. Its going to be a good race. This track lends itself to a lot of passing zones, but its going to be hot.

“And it’s good to be on the pole, we’re going to try and run strong all day and stay out front.”

Pole in the GTD class went to the Porsche of Alex Riberas over the Audi of Lawson Aschenbach.

Celebrations at @FordPerformance for @Ryan_Briscoe. GTLM pole position at @circuitamericas #LoneStarLeMans pic.twitter.com/DaJzV0Nr70

— Michelin Alley (@MichelinAlley) September 16, 2016

#FordIMSA | @Ryan_Briscoe takes #67FordGT to P1 in GTLM qualifying for Saturday’s race at @circuitamericas. 66 is P5 pic.twitter.com/kj7kisJg7x

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) September 16, 2016

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