Farfus tops first practice at Monza
BMW's Augusto Farfus was quickest in an eventful opening practice session for this weekend's World Touring Car Championship round at Monza
The Brazilian was on top for much of the session and managed a best time of 2:00.665, putting him 0.069 seconds clear of Marc Gene's SEAT.
But both manufacturers have some work to do before the next session following an accident involving Alessando Zanardi and Rickard Rydell.
The problem started when Zanardi lost the rear of his Team Italy-Spain BMW on the kerbs at the second chicane, pitching him into a series of wild fishtails. Rydell came through the chicane to find most of it occupied by Zanardi's car, and slammed into the Italian's right rear wheel.
Rydell was able to limp back to the SEAT garage with front-end damage, but Zanardi's car was immobilised, prompting a brief red flag period.
The kerbs had earlier caught a few drivers out, with Russian Bears Lada driver Kirill Ladygin in particular distinguishing himself with a neat 360 degree spin out of the same chicane before continuing on his way.
Despite the accident Zanardi still ended the session with the third fastest time ahead of points leader Yvan Muller. Ninth-placed Alain Menu was the fastest Chevrolet driver, while surprise Imola race winner James Thompson finished up 14th in his N.Technology Honda Accord, one spot behind Andy Priaulx (RBM BMW).
Pos Driver Car Time 1. Augusto Farfus BMW 320si 2:00.665 2. Jordi Gene SEAT Leon TDI 2:00.734 + 0.069 3. Alessandro Zanardi BMW 320si 2:01.165 + 0.500 4. Yvan Muller SEAT Leon TDI 2:01.170 + 0.505 5. Gabriele Tarquini SEAT Leon TDI 2:01.348 + 0.683 6. Felix Porteiro BMW 320si 2:01.613 + 0.948 7. Jorg Muller BMW 320si 2:01.649 + 0.984 8. Tiago Monteiro SEAT Leon TDI 2:01.715 + 1.050 9. Alain Menu Chevrolet Lacetti 2:01.836 + 1.171 10. Tom Coronel SEAT Leon 2:01.973 + 1.308 11. Robert Huff Chevrolet Lacetti 2:01.980 + 1.315 12. Rickard Rydell SEAT Leon TDI 2:02.083 + 1.418 13. Andy Priaulx BMW 320si 2:02.109 + 1.444 14. James Thompson Honda Accord Euro R 2:02.197 + 1.532 15. Pierre-Yves Corthals SEAT Leon 2:02.261 + 1.596 16. Stefano D'Aste BMW 320si 2:02.269 + 1.604 17. Sergio Hernandez BMW 320si 2:02.293 + 1.628 18. Nicola Larini Chevrolet Lacetti 2:02.846 + 2.181 19. Franz Engstler BMW 320si 2:03.542 + 2.877 20. Kristian Poulsen BMW 320si 2:04.231 + 3.566 21. Ibrahim Okyay BMW 320si 2:04.302 + 3.637 22. Duarte Felix da Costa SEAT Leon 2:04.419 + 3.754 23. Takayuki Aoki BMW 320si 2:04.475 + 3.810 24. Manabu Orido Chevrolet Lacetti 2:04.973 + 4.308 25. George Tanev BMW 320si 2:05.868 + 5.203 26. Kirill Ladygin Lada 110 2:06.052 + 5.387 27. Andrey Romanov BMW 320si 2:06.929 + 6.264 28. Jaap Van Lagen Lada 110 2:07.003 + 6.338 29. Viktor Shapovalov Lada 110 2:07.102 + 6.437 30. Yukinori Taniguchi Honda Accord Euro R 2:07.907 + 7.242
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