Warm-up: Tomczyk tops hectic session

Firstly, title rivals Bernd Schneider and Laurent Aiello found themselves on track together, sparking a terrific display of nose-to-tail 'racing'. Aiello won this little private duel, but will he do enough to wrap up the title today?

While that incident was entertaining, Patrick Huisman's practice pit stop was a much scarier affair. He was released by his lollypop man, despite the fact his left-rear wheel hadn't been tightened.

The mechanic in question was forced to let go of the gun, that was still attached to wheel as Huisman accelerated away, which brought the air line structure crashing down and sent air guns flying along the pit lane at speed. A Dunlop tyre technician was struck by debris, but is not thought to be seriously hurt.

Martin Tomczyk (Audi) led the times from Aiello and the Opels of Manuel Reuter and Timo Scheider. New pole sitter Marcel Fassler (Mercedes) was fifth fastest, ahead of Schneider, Alain Menu (Opel), Michael Bartels (Opel), Christian Abt (Audi) and Mattias Ekstrom.

Former F1 legend Jean Alesi, meanwhile, investigated the gravel trap at Tarzan, while Huisman had an early spin at the Nissan chicane. Ekstrom suffered a left-rear puncture.


Martin Tomczyk (D) Abt-Audi TT-R, 1m36.731s
Laurent Aiello (F) Abt-Audi TT-R, 1m36.848s
Manuel Reuter (D) Phoenix Opel Astra V8 Coupe, 1m36.924s
Timo Scheider (D) Holzer Opel Astra V8 Coupé, 1m36.978s
Marcel Fässler (CH) AMG Mercedes-Bend CLK, 1m36.987s
Bernd Schneider (D) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m37.035s
Alain Menu (CH) Euroteam Opel Astra V8 Coupé, 1m37.116s
Michael Bartels (D) Holzer Opel Astra V8 Coupé, 1m37.117s
Christian Abt (D) Abt-Audi TT-R, 1m37.140s
Mattias Ekström (S) Abt-Audi TT-R, 1m37.330s
Uwe Alzen (D) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m37.361s
Stefan Mücke (D) Rosberg Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m37.381s
Karl Wendlinger (A) Abt-Audi TT-R, 1m37.506s
Jean Alesi (F) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m37.605s
Thomas Jäger (D) Persson Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m37.653s
Christijan Albers (NL) Rosberg Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m37.717s
Joachim Winkelhock (D) Phoenix Opel Astra V8 Coupé, 1m37.727s
Bernd Maylander (D) Manthey Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m38.049s
Eric Helary (F) Eutoteam Opel Astra V8 Coupé, 1m38.245s
Peter Dumbreck (GB) Persson Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m38.265s
Patrick Huisman (NL) Manthey Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m38.305s