A blown turbocharger in the second Free Practice led to a frustrating Qualifying session and so the Castrol Honda team must have been relieved to see their local hero back to his usual form and posting a lap of 2:07.238.

Fastest in warm-up was another Honda Civic, driven by Norbert Michelisz (2:06.305). Robb Huff’s SEAT (2:07.442), James Thompson’s LADA (2:07.482) and Pepe Oriola’s Chevrolet (2:07.496) filled the position from third to fifth.

Seventh-fastest Fredy Barth (2:08.042) was the quickest BMW driver despite an early scare when his car’s bonnet flapped open as he exited the pit lane.