Muller struggling at Alpe d'Huez

For the first time in the 12 years of the Andros Trophy, penalty weights are being applied, with Yvan Muller's Astra carrying 60 kg after his round 1 win, Tarres's Citroen Xsara 40kg heavier and Dayraut bearing an additional 20kg in the BMW Z3.

The two timed practice sessions have taken on a new significance in this year's running of the Trophy, as they are used throughout to separate any drivers who might tie on points. Marcel Tarrès set the fastest time in the first session, with a best lap of 59.797s, half a second faster than 5-times champion Yvan Muller, and seven tenths ahead of Dayraut's BMW.

In the second session, Anthony Beltoise created the first surprise by lapping in 59.770s - the fastest lap of the weekend so far. His mentor and team-leader Marcel Tarres responded by shaving another half second off the time, with a lap of 59.239s. But while Muller appeared to struggle, managing only fifth, Jean-Philippe Dayraut - winner of this round in 1999 - put in a stunning performance to lead the session.

"It was a fitting reward for all our hard work," Dayraut said afterwards. "The car has proved it's potential : once you've won a session, you know you can go on to win. And that's what we're planning."

As for Muller, he was puzzled. "I was fifth ! I haven't been as low as fifth in a session for years ! And we really don't know what's wrong - it's a bit of a mystery. It might be the ballast weight, but we're really not sure."

Another surprise was the excellent performance of Laurent Fouquet, running a Renault Clio in the Promotion class. Fouquet was fourth overall in both sessions, actually lapping two tenths faster than Muller himself in the second. Val Thorens class winner Neyrial was second, in ninth and tenth overall.

The day continues with two three-lap heats and a series of races.