Zanardi wins, Porteiro second for BMW 1-2

Zanardi converted his pole start to a race 1 win, though had to pass Porteiro who gained a better start than Zanardi. Zanardi was caught napping at the start and was quickly overtaken by Porteiro initally. Zanardi made a clean move within the first couple of laps to take first again. Jorg Muller had a storming run from 17th to 5th getting great pace out of his BMW 320si.

Zanardi was caught sleeping at the start of the race while Porteiro took the opportunity to slip into first place from third on the grid. Early in the race however Zanardi made a clean move through the inside of Porteiro to retake the lead.

Rob Huff had a poor start and lost a number of places whilst getting his Chevrolet up to speed. He then settled in 7th place mid-race before conceding positions dropping to 9th when Muller passed him. Huff was unlucky to miss out of the top 8 which would of enabled a front row start for race 2.

Alain Menu dropped one place to Porteiro at the start but raced safely keeping the pace with the leading BMW’s.

James Thompson did get as high as 5th by mid-race but dropped back to 7th where he qualified.

Jorg Muller had an outstanding race, having qualified way back in 17th place he passed Rob Huff for 8th position on lap 7. Muller, a man on a mission finished race 1 in 5th position.

Andy Priaulx had a poor race with a car that was not working the way Priaulx needed, starting in 10th he got a little damage on the rear and gradually dropped to 15th.