Doran misses heat one

Liam Doran failed to make the start of heat one, a clutch problem in practice forcing his LD Motorsports team take the unit out and to find a solution. The team are working hard on the Citroen DS3 in a desperate attempt to get the British driver back on the grid for heat two. Local hero Pedro Matos was the only supercar driver that failed to finish, the Citroen Xsara stopping on track with mechanical difficulties.

Petter Solberg drove a commanding race, his Citroen DS3 bogging slightly on the startline, before launching into the lead before the first corner. He then drove the sort of heat we all know and expect from the Norwegian superstar, setting fastest time by over 3 1/2 seconds.

Derek Tohill was another who failed to finish. The round one winner was due to head out to his first heat when his team discovered a fuel leak from the Ford Fiesta. Fixing it just in time, a further fuel problem halted the Irishman in his tracks while leading the opening race of the day.

In an incredible twist of weather, and in contrast to the bright sunshine of earlier the circuit has descended into cloud with heavy snow falling.

Heat two starts at 15.15 local time.

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