Tarquini wins, Alfa dominates

Tarquini inherited victory in the first round at Monza last month after Farfus, who won the race on the track, was given a 10-minute penalty. But this time Tarquini, who collided with team-mate Giovanardi in Monza's other race, won it fair and square.

Alfa Romeo's new 156 S2000 is clearly a major step forward for the Italian manufacturer. BMW's Jorg Muller, Dirk Muller and Andy Priaulx may have been carrying ballast this weekend, but nevertheless the Alfas seem to have a performance edge that was evident in Monza, but startlingly obvious in Valencia.

It was no surprise then to see the three red cars streak off into the distance at the start of the 13-lap event and engage in a race of their own. Ballast-free it was poleman Farfus that led from the start, but the Brazilian could not break free of his more senior partners and when he made a mistake on lap three, they were through.

Giovanardi led Tarquini, the pair rejoined in a battle that ended in tears at Monza, with Farfus in close pursuit in third. Tarquini made his move on lap seven, just squeezing through and after defending his position, established a cushion to Giovanardi. And that's how they finished.

Britain's Andy Priaulx was fourth and best of the BMWs ahead of BMW Deutschland drivers Dirk Muller and Jorg Muller. Antonio Garcia was seventh and Salvatore Tavano an excellent eighth in the private Oregon Alfa 156 GTa.

Gabriele Tarquini Alfa Romeo 156 S2000 22m28.346s
Fabrizio Giovanardi Alfa Romeo 156 S2000 21m29.828s
Augusto Farfus Jr Alfa Romeo 156 S2000 21m32.205s
Andy Priaulx BMW 320i 22m34.155s
Dirk Muller BMW 320i 22m36.224s
Jorg Muller BMW 320i 22m41.817s