Tarquini consolidates his lead

Gabriele Tarquini did the hardest part: confirming his recent performances, assuming his status and increasing his lead at the top of the world championship. By starting from pole, the Italian's mission was made easier. He manages to get off to a good start, leaving the troubles behind him. Because a big accident disrupts the start of the race. Several pilots lose their illusions there, like Tiago Monteiro and especially Augusto Farfus. Second in the overall WTCC standings, the Brazilian is still in the race for the world crown. But the accident condemned him and deprived him of points in the first but also certainly in the second race.

Gabriele Tarquini then manages to keep his lead over his rivals and in particular Yvan Muller. The Frenchman warned before the race: he is not taking reckless risks to seize first place, having received the order to secure the constructors' title for Seat. It is therefore one behind the other that the two men evolve, while Robert Huff follows the Frenchman. At the end of the thirteen laps of the race, Gabriele Tarquini can shake his fist and celebrate his victory. The Italian, at home, won the ten points of victory and consolidated his lead in the championship, now having nine points ahead of Yvan Muller, and eleven over Augusto Farfus.

As for the BMW drivers, it was a disaster. Only Alex Zanardi and Sergio Hernandez enter the top 8 but the usual leaders, Augusto Farfus and Andy Priaulx, can forget this first race. On the other hand, a good performance for Tom Coronel, fifth and first independent, as well as for James Thompson, sixth at the wheel of the Priora, and who offers the first top 8 to Lada this season.