Defending world champions Suzuki Endurance Racing Team topped the first qualifying session at Le Mans.

Defending World Endurance Champions Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) have claimed provisional pole position for the Le Mans 24 Hour after a solid opening day on track at the French circuit.

The first qualifying session saw a battle of lap times between SERT and second-placed Team SRC Kawasaki, with the GSX-R-mounted trio coming out on top with an average lap time of 1m38.023 versus their ZX-10R challengers who set an 1m38.689 average.

SERT’s Julien Da Costa was the fastest individual rider with a 1m37.259 lap. Aussie Alex Cudlin held his own as the team’s third rider, helping them to achieve the benchmark time on day one before the second qualifying session follows.

Yamaha France GMT 94 Michelin clocked the third-fastest average lap, a 1m38.864, ahead of BMW Motorrad Team Thevent, in fourth.

The BMW outfit is bolstered by the addition of Josh Waters as a fourth rider, with the team selecting him for his experience in WEC competition as well as knowledge of the Michelin tyres.

Rounding out the top five was the Monster Energy Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART), spearheaded by Aussie Broc Parkes. This also confirms all three Australian riders taking part in the top five placings.

The Junior Team LMS Suzuki produced a solid effort as the first Superstock team home in qualifying, holding out more favoured teams including Team Bolliger Switzerland and the Honda TT Legends.

A number of team lineups have been shaken up for the WEC’s fourth and final round, with domestic championships hosting rounds in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom this week.

Qualifying continues later today, with average of the three official riders’ best times over both sessions to determine the start grid for the 38th running of the iconic event.