Photo: TcT

Néstor Girolami heads Münnich 1-2 in opening session in Barcelona

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Néstor Girolami topped the times during the morning running as the 2019 World Touring Car Cup season kicked off with the official test day at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.

Girolami, returning to the world stage this year with the Münnich Motorsport team, led the way with a best lap of 1:54.738s at the wheel of the Honda Civic Type R of team-mate Esteban Guerreri, who would post the second best time during his own run in the car.

Behind the Honda pair, Kevin Ceccon was third fastest in the first of the two Mulsanne Racing Alfa Romeos, despite him losing time with a puncture, with the top four completed by Gordon Shedden – with the WRT driver heading fellow Audi racers Jean-Karl Vernay and Niels Langeveld.

Attila Tassi was seventh quickest in the first of the KCMG Hondas, with Ma Quing Ha eighth, with the leading Volkswagen of Benjamin Leuchter and the Cupra of Aurelian Panis rounding out the top ten.

None of the Hyundais were able to break into the top ten, with defending champion Gabriele Tarquini the best placed in eleventh spot – albeit nearly two seconds off the outright pace.

That was still ahead of the all-new Lynk & Co 03 TCRs, with Yvan Muller the best placed of the four cars in 16th place.

A further three hours of track action will take place during the afternoon.