Championship leader José María López topped the timing sheets ahead of teammates Yvan Muller, Ma Qing Hua and Sébastien Loeb.
On a cold and slightly damp track López set his fastest time on only his second flying lap. Most drivers did indeed set their quickest times around the 7-kilometre Ardennes track at the beginning of the session.
Honda privateer Mehdi Bennani opened the debates with a lap in 2:27.383, a time quickly bettered by Muller in 2:26.480, then Loeb in 2:26.045 and López in 2:24.536.

On the next lap, Lopez improved slightly on his time in 2:24.350; a time which would stand for the remainder of the session. Frenchman Hugo Valente was the fastest man of the opposition in a time of 2:25.804 aboard his Campos Chevrolet Cruze.
The works Castrol Honda Civic cars finished in eighth (Tarquini in 2:26.781) and ninth (Monteiro in 2:26.842), while Rob Huff was the fastest of the Lada Sport Lukoil team in 2:28.407.
A late surprise was staged by Chinese Citroën man Ma Qing Hua who set the third fastest time (2:25.628) at the end of the session.

The second free practice session starts at 12.30 with qualifying to start at 15.00.