Nicki Thiim and his Audi TT car continued setting the pace. After posting the fastest lap in yesterday’s testing, the young Dane set the best time of 1:53.929 in this morning’s first practice.
Gianni Morbidelli’s Honda Civic (1:54.534) and Pepe Oriola’s SEAT León (1:54.802) were classified second and third respectively. The rest of the field remained above the 1:55 mark.
In the early stages of the session, Oriola (1:55.828), Jordi Gené (1:55.269) and Michel Nykjær (1:55.260) improved the provisional fastest laps.
However, it was Thiim who made a significant amelioration with a lap of 1:54.118. Morbidelli managed to get close (1:54.534), but Thiim improved again to 1:54.066.
Towards the end of the session Oriola climbed back to third (1:54.802) and demoted his team-mate Gené to fourth (1:55.202), while Thiim improved once more for good to 1:53.929.
Currently championship leader Stefano Comini was eighth fastest (1:55.586) ahead Francisco Mora (1:55.636). Oscar Nogués’ Opel Astra completed a lap of 1:56.153 that was worth the 12^thposition.
Second Audi driver Kelvin Van der Linde did not post a time because his car stopped on the track for a technical issue that he team is currently investigating.
TCR drivers will make their next appearance in the second Free Practice at 11.10 local time.