Super Touring race 1: Larini’s landmark win

Wet conditions made racing conditions difficult, but the Alfas ended the race just 0.367secs apart at the head of the field after a tremendous battle once erstwhile leaders Roberto Colciago (Audi Quattro) and Gabriele Tarquini (Honda Accord) eliminated themselves.

Colciago rocketed into the lead from third on the grid thanks to his four-wheel drive Audi, but Tarquini attacked on lap two. Colciago was having none of it, and swerved across into Tarquini and took both of them out.

"Colciago is completely crazy," ranted Tarquini. "He went into me and we both went off. He might have an advantage in the wet but it doesn't mean he can crash into people."

That left Larini and Giovanardi to battle it out and, with their wet tyres fading as the track dried, Larini pulled a decisive move.

"What can I say, it couldn't have gone better," said Larini. "From the beginning I had a good feeling with my car even if at the end its performance wasn't as good as it was at the start. It's another victory that gives me the power to go for this championship. I am very happy to gain the highest step of the podium in this day of celebration of our 300th birthday!"

Giovanardi was reasonably happy with second: "Due to changes of track conditions from yesterday, I wasn't able to attack in the right way with the settings I had. I was obliged to maintain my rhythm without forcing too much, even at the last lap when I had a great will to 'play' with Larini to get the first place".

Tarquini and Colciago will both start race two from the pit lane.