[2] Fellow BMW driver Jörg Müller topped the first free practice session on Saturday morning which took place on a drying track.

Farfus was third for BMW having had two of his fast laps interrupted, the first when the red flags came out for Chevrolet's Alain Menu who crashed at the final corner and the second time when he had to avoid a spinning Jörg Müller.

Tarquini had the engine in his car changed prior to qualifying and ended the session fourth fastest while Nicola Larini was the best of the Chevrolets in fifth.

[7] Yvan Muller held first place at the start ahead of Rydell, Tarquini ran first in the early stages of the race before being passed by Farfus.

Andy Priaulx had started 12th and climbed up the order to finish 5th, passing Tarquini and Gené in the final laps.

Yvan Muller and Rydell successfully converted their front row starts into a SEAT 1–2, Coronel finished eighth to take pole position for race two.