BMW takes control

« In Valencia, the tolerance of 0,2 bars allowed us to regain competitiveness and get back in front. But the result of the equivalence varies depending on the circuits. In Brno, it seems more difficult to me. It's a circuit which, on paper, will not allow us to be the best. There are a lot of straight lines, you need a lot of power. And a pressure of 2,7 bars (from the turbo, editor's note) is not sufficient in terms of power. » Tiago Monteiro saw it coming before taking the wheel: this fifth round does not mean an assured victory for Seat. It even seems that it will be difficult for Leon to score big points on Sunday.

From the free practice sessions in the morning, the BMWs showed themselves to be the fastest. On a still wet track, the drivers are far from their best times. But two of the Seats are especially far from their regular opponents. An impression which was confirmed during the second free practice session: the BMWs are faster. The qualifying session only confirms what had been glimpsed until then. The French leader of the world championship, Yvan Muller, was even eliminated in Q1, just like Tiago Monteiro.

During the second phase of the qualifying session, it was Muller?s most serious rival in the championship standings, Augusto Farfus, who proved to be the fastest. BMW locks the top of the starting grid as Priaulx and Zanardi complete the podium. The Chevrolets break into the top 10 (after a disappointing Spanish weekend), with Larini and Menu ranking 4th and 8th. Seat limits the damage with the 5th and 6th positions of Rydell and Tarquini. But the first race on Sunday already seems promised to the BMWs.