It was like the first day of a new term today at Donington. Everyone in new uniforms, drivers with new teams and no one quite into the routine of things yet.
Despite the busy day on the track, there was a curious tranquility about the paddock during the day.
The main players appeared to be the Moslers and the TVRs which were setting the top times in testing and in qualifying. The Mosler of Rob Barff (Martin Short's off driving a Porsche in FIA GTs this weekend) and Tom Herridge took pole, with the other Mosler in second place thanks to Jamie Derbyshire.
Johnson and Hartshorne will line up behind them on the grid with two TVRs.
The new Jaguar - a fine looking beast - was stuck in the pits thanks to engine troubles. That should be able to start tomorrow if a replacement engine can be fitted in time.
The other loss thanks to mechanical problems was the Tuscan R of CDL Racing. Steve Hyde had put some blinding times in yesterday but a broken propshaft sidelined the car today. As it flailed about it decimated the oil pipes and hydraulics at the back of the car, requiring some major work overnight if it's to make the back of the grid tomorrow.
The top contender for the new GT Cup class didn't compete. The GruppeM Tech 9 Porsche of Tony Rodgers and Steve Moore was sidelined after an accident in midweek testing. They could miss another two races whilst they sort a new bodyshell. The team's other car will compete though and leads the field ahead of the two Morgans, the ISL Motorsport Mantis, the Clio V6 and the Elise.
Tomorrow should bring a fascinating race.
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