Stefano Comini took his second win of the season at Sochi Autodrom. Starting from the pole, the Swiss was able to build a good advantage in the early laps, keeping the Leopard Racing Volkswagen Golf Gti well ahead all rivals up to the chequered flag. Race 1 on the Russian track was characterized by extremely warm weather. Pepe Oriola finished second after a short duel with Gianni Morbidelli, who had taken an excellent start. The SEAT of the Spaniard and the Honda of the Italian completed a podium where three different manufacturers were represented.
With this success, Comini moved up to second in the standings, only 9 points behind Oriola and one ahead of James Nash.
The Briton crossed the line fourth, ahead of Dušan Borković, Mikhail Grachev, Jean-Karl Vernay, Petr Fulín and Davit Kajaia, who animated the race with some close battles. The 8^th place of Fulín represents the best race result so far for the Romeo Ferraris-built Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
Mat’o Homola took the last point in a race that saw few incidents. The Slovak and team mate Attila Tassi will be on first row for Race 2, which will start at 14:05 local time.

Key facts
Start – Poleman Comini takes a good start from Morbidelli, Oriola and Vernay; Afanasyev stalls the engine and starts from the back  
Lap 1 – The four leading cars are followed by Nash, Grachev, Borković and Fulín
Lap 2 – Comini builds a gap, at the pace of one second per; Oriola passes Morbidelli for second.
Lap 3 – Fulín and Kajaia are in a close battle for 7^th and swap positions twice; Borković and Grachev are in a similar fight, with the Serbian taking 5^th
Lap 4 – Vernay makes contact with Nash and drops to 10^th; Sheshenin pits with damage on the front right wheel and body after hitting a pile of tyres
Lap 6 – Comini leads by 4 seconds on Oriola, then Morbidelli, Nash and Borković; Vernay passes Homola for 9^th
Lap 7 – Fulín attacks Grachev for 6^th, with Kajaia chasing them closely; Afanasyev is given a drive-through for trespassing the track limits
Lap 8 – Vernay passes Kajaia for 8^th
Lap 9 – Vernay takes 7^th from Fulín
Lap 11 – Comini takes a comfortable win ahead of Oriola, Morbidelli, Nash and Borković