Coronel ahead in second practice

Tom Coronel finished second practice in Okayama, Japan quickest in his SEAT León TDI. His first flying lap of the session, a 1:38.943, was never bettered leaving the Dutchman on top ahead of qualifying this afternoon.

All 27 cars were all back out on track for practices although despite a drier track, the fastest time of the day was still slower than the quickest set this morning.

Rob Huff (1:38.979) and Tiago Monteiro (1:39.105) also set their fastest times early on to finish second and third respectively.

BMW Team RBM’s Augusto Farfus (1:39.110) posted the fourth quickest time, ahead of Sweden’s Robert Dahlgren who put in another solid performance in his Volvo.

Alain Menu (1:39.421) was sixth ahead of Franz Engstler (1:39.443) who finished as clear leader in the Independents with his closet rival, Darryl O’Young (1:40.230) in 16th.

Norbert Michelisz (1:39.455) was the best rookie yet again in eighth with current championship leader Yvan Muller (1:39.567) ninth, the Frenchman having to return to the pits with 10-minutes to go as his left-rear wheel was loose.

Colin Turkington (1:39.579) rounded out the top ten.

No incidents were reported during the session, although Henry Ho was called back to the pit by the black-and-orange flag to fix the front bonnet closed.