Race 1: Thompson takes it

Thompson, who is driving for Alfa Romeo's factory Autodelta squad in a one-off round, held off a late challenge from BMW's Jorg Muller to take the top spot with the Alfas of Gabriele Tarquini, Fabrizio Giovanardi and Augusto Farfus rounding out the top five. Britain's Andy Priaulx (BMW) was six seconds off the pace of Thompson but his sixth-place finish means points for him in the championship.

"I had a good start, and the guys behind me gave me a big hand, being in a close fight," said Thompson. "So, head down, I managed to pull away. I was quite pleased for myself when I realised there was such a big gap, because I really wanted to win this race. But I was also disappointed in someway, because it could have been an Alfa 1-2-3."

Muller had a great start to launch him from fifth on the grid to third behind Thompson and Tarquini. It didn't take long for the BMW star to get past the Italian though only for the German to have a lapse in concentration as Tarquini re-passed him along with Giovanardi.

The reigning champion was in no mood to stay in fourth though and re-took both Tarquini and Giovanardi to re-claim second spot.

While all the squabbling was taking place for second spot, Thompson had stretched out a lead of 5 seconds over Muller, but the German had his sights set on the Briton and chased him hard.

Thompson was no walkover though and held on to take the win over Muller, Tarquini, Giovanardi, Farfus Jr and Priaulx.

James Thompson Alfa Romeo 21m45.6s
Jorg Muller BMW 21m49.4s
Gabriele Tarquini Alfa Romeo 21m50.0s
Fabrizio Giovanardi Alfa Romeo 21m50.7s
Augusto Farfus Alfa Romeo 21m51.3s
Andy Priaulx BMW 21m57.2s