Race 1: De Oliveira scores first win

The Brazilian led from start to finish in his Swiss Racing Team Dallara-Opel, finishing just over a second clear of Japanese driver Kousuke Matsuura.

"The victory is unbelievably important, since it was achieved before the eyes of the Formula 1 teams," said de Oliveira. "It might have looked easy, but Kousuke made it difficult, particularly at the start. On Sunday I am again on pole - a good omen."

Britain's Gary Paffett was running a strong third when the ignition system on his Team Rosberg Dallara-Opel failed. After pitting for repairs, he rejoined only to crash the car into the tyrewall at the Sachskurve.

Italy's Matteo Grassotto finished third, ahead of former series leader Frank Diefenbacher. Of the other title protagonists, Pierre Kaffer slipped back to finish eighth and Toshihiro Kaneishi retired but retains the championship lead by four points from Diefenbacher.

Race two takes place on Sunday morning.

Joao Paulo de Oliveira, Swiss Racing Team Dallara F301-Opel, 12 laps
Kousuke Matsuura, Prema Powerteam Dallara F301-Opel, +1.5s
Matteo Grassotto, Cram Competition Dallara F301-Opel, +5.6s
Frank Diefenbacher, BSR Dallara F300-Opel, +6.4s
Stefan Mucke, Mucke Motorsport Dallara F301-Opel, +10.4s
Raffaele Giammaria, Cram Competition Dallara F301-Opel, +13.6s