Michelisz sent to back of Brno grid

Michelisz's BMW 320 TC was found to be 12 kilos lighter than the required minimum weight and has been disqualified from both parts of qualifying as a result.

The Hungarian driver, the highest placed independent runner, had originally qualified fifth for the opening race, just over a tenth of a second behind Alain Menu's Chevrolet Cruze.

"It was a mistake made by us, so I think it was the right decision to cancel the lap times," a disappointed Michelisz told AUTOSPORT. "It was not one or two kilos, it was more than 10. It will be an interesting race today for sure."

The Hungaroring podium finisher was adamant, however, that a wet race would hurt rather than help his chances of maintaining third position in the Independent standings.

"I think in dry conditions we stand a better chance to score some points," he explained. "For sure the chance is there. I think the car is capable of finishing at the front. In the second part of the race there will be the chance to overtake some competitors, but I don't want to take too many risks.

"If we are realistic, then the most important thing is to score as many points in the [independents'] Yokohama Trophy as possible."

Following the disqualification, Polestar Volvo's Robert Dahlgren will now start tomorrow's opening race from fifth ahead of Kristian Poulsen (Engstler BMW), 2009 champion Gabriele Tarquini (SUNRED SEAT), Darryl O'Young (Bamboo Engineering) and Poulsen's team-mate Franz Engstler.

SUNRED Engineering's Michel Nykjaer has been promoted to 10th place and will now start race two from pole position.