Brno 1: Giovanardi connects four

At the start Dirk Muller made a flyer and led into the first corner followed by the Volvo of Rydell. Polesitter Goivanardi was relegated to third, but the superior power of the Alfa meant that he was able to outdrag Muller, who had already been passed by Rydell, into Turn 2.

Giovanardi then set about chasing down the Swede and the two were side-by-side as they entered the chicane. As they exited the corner, the Alfa and the Volvo collided sending Rydell spinning into the gravel and ultimately retirement.

As Giovanardi backed off Muller shot back into the lead and Alfa Romeo's Nicola Larini made an opportunistic dive into second. However, Larini's Alfa was not set-up as well as his team-mate's and it was only a matter of time before the championship leader found a way through.

Once clear of the ex-Ferrari F1 driver, Giovanardi quickly closed in on the tail of the BMW. Despite holding a substantial power advantage, the Alfa driver patiently waited for his opportunity. It eventually came on lap five and from then on the result was never in doubt.

Muller held on to second, though, to deny Alfa a one-two finish for the first time this season. Behind Larini, Brit James Hanson was enjoying a dream drive for Volvo. He had a great dice with the BMW of Jorg Muller and Alfa's Luis Villamil for fourth place. The S60 driver coming out on top to score three valuable championship points.


Fabrizio Giovanardi Alfa Romeo 156 Gta
Dirk Muller BMW 320i E46
Nicola Larini Alfa Romeo 156 Gta
James Hanson Volvo S60
Jorg Muller BMW 320i E46
Luis Villamil Alfa Romeo 156 Gta