After the Le Mans-style running start in front of the packed main grandstand at the legendary Belgian track, the opening hour delivered stunning action and multiple lead changes in blazing sunshine.

The entire the top five – Gregg Black, Marvin Fritz, Josh Hook, Florian Marino and Markus Reiterberger – took their turn in front as breath-taking multiple overtakes thrilled fans trackside and watching the live broadcasts around the world.

Reiterberger would eventually triumph, part of the winning BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, with second place going to TATI Team Beringer Racing. But it was the race for third that will go down in EWC history, such was the incredible battle for position during the rain-hit final laps.