Spa, FP1: Citröen dominates in Belgium

The four-car works Citroën squad dominated the first free practice session at Spa this morning. 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.