Motor racing: Jani and Porsche stay on pole in Le Mans rain

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Switzerland's Neel Jani waits in the pit lane during the second qualifying practice session of the 84th Le Mans 24 hours endurance race, on June 16, 2016 in Le Mans, western France. Switzerland's Neel Jani, behind the wheel of a Porsche 919 Hybrid, stayed on pole position for the Le Mans 24 Hour Race on June 16 when the third qualifying session was red-flagged due to heavy rain. / AFP PHOTO / JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER
Switzerland’s Neel Jani waits in the pit lane during the second qualifying practice session of the 84th Le Mans 24 hours endurance race, on June 16, 2016 in Le Mans, western France.Switzerland’s Neel Jani, behind the wheel of a Porsche 919 Hybrid, stayed on pole position for the Le Mans 24 Hour Race on June 16 when the third qualifying session was red-flagged due to heavy rain. / AFP PHOTO / JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER

LE MANS, France (AFP)–Switzerland’s Neel Jani, behind the wheel of a Porsche 919 Hybrid, stayed on pole position for the Le Mans 24 Hour Race on Thursday when the third qualifying session was red-flagged due to heavy rain.

As a result of the conditions, most of the 60 cars taking part were unable to improve on their times set on Wednesday night.

The last section of qualifying is due to take place later Thursday but with the surface still wet, it’s unlikely that challengers Audi or Toyota will be able to better Jani’s time of 3min 19.733sec set Wednesday.

The two Porsche 919 Hybrids are due to occupy the front row followed by the Toyota TS050 Hybrids and the Audi R18s behind them on the third row.

This year’s Le Mans starts at 1300GMT Saturday and will be flagged off by Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt.

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