Photo: WTCC Media

WTCC: Tarquini heads Muller in first race at Valencia

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Gabriele Tarquini won the first FIA World Touring Car Championship race at Valencia ahead of the two Chevrolet-drivers Yvan Muller and Rob Huff.

Muller past his team mate early in the race and was close to Tarquini, but not close enough to make a move.

Alain Menu was fourth in the beginning of the race, but dropped back as the race progressed to finally finish eight and claimed pole position for the second race.

Jordi Gené crossed the line fourth, right ahead of a charging Andy Priaulx. The BMW-driver started ninth and made good progress through the field to finish fifth.

Tiago Monteiro finished sixth ahead of Fredy Barth in the diesel SEAT Léon. Barth was involved in a scrap with Augusto Farfus in the race.

Farfus first passed Barth with some contact, something that aggravated Barth. The SEAT-driver hit Farfus several times, resulting in the BMW-driver having to pit due to damage. Barth was given a warning for the incident by the stewards.

Michel Nykjær finished ninth ahead of Tom Coronel. The Dutchman started 16th after a 10 place grid penalty due to an engine change.