Corinthians leads way in practice

All running so far has been rain-affected, with the opening 30-minute session offering the driest weather conditions.

That was led by Corinthians' driver Pizzonia, who was almost half a second clear of Lyon's Nelson Panciatici. Renowned wet weather specialist Yelmer Buurman was third quickest.

In both sessions two and three, the times were led by Sevilla's Esteban Guerrieri, who was fourth fastest in the opening session. Guerrieri won the most recent round at Zolder, but did so in the colours of Al-Ain, who have been relegated from the series in favour of Sevilla.

Pizzonia was second and fourth fastest respectively in the other sessions.

Also showing that they will be in the mix in qualifying this afternoon were John Martin of Rangers and Olympikos's Davide Rigon.

Of the English teams, points leader Adrian Valles was ninth in two sessions, while Tottenham Hotspur's Craig Dolby fared even worse as he required an engine change and missed a session. The Zolder winner was 10th fastest in the opening session.