Race 1: Dirk battles through

Muller and BMW Deutschland team-mate fought for the lead throughout the seven lap race while Seat's Jordi Gene took third.

There was some confusion before the race started after several cars overshot their grid positions, prompting another formation lap. Once the race did get underway, there was even more confusion when the field reached Eau Rouge, led by poleman Jorg Muller. Kurt Mollekens squeezed Fabrizio Giovanardi's Alfa Romeo which spun sideways into the wall, and then collected Alex Zanardi as it bounced back out.

At the front the two Mullers swapped places, and paint, several times in the first two laps before Dirk managed to establish a small lead. These two were followed closely by championship leader Andy Priaulx, in third. The Guernseyman looked faster than both the Mullers and for several laps tried hard to find a way past.

The three BMWs were chased by Gene and Alfa's Gabriele Tarquini, with James Thompson, (on his wedding day!) sixth.

Jorg Muller gave his team-mate several nudges as he tried to find a way past, and with every attempt he temporarily lost ground. On the penultimate lap, Priualx took one such opportunity to try a pass down the outside on the exit of Les Combes. Both cars ran on to the grass and Gene took advantage moving briefly to second.

Muller passed the Seat back in the next corner but Priaulx would remain behind to the end.

"I'm still excited," said Dirk Muller afterwards. "That was one of thr best touring car races I have ever driven. I had to control it and there was so much pressure. But I managed to stay in front and for that I'm very happy."

Antonio Garcia eventually finished sixth ahead of Seat's Franck Diefenbacher and Augusto Farfus. Thompson finished ninth after being slowed by contact.

Dirk Muller BMW
Jorg Muller BMW
Jordi Gene Seat
Andy Priulx Seat
Gabriele Tarquni Alfa Romeo
Antonio Garcia BMW
Franck Diefenbacher Seat
Augusti Farfus Alfa Romeo
James Thompson Alfa Romeo
Savatore Tavano Alfa Romeo