Photo: TCR World Tour

Néstor Girolami heads close first free practice of Vallelunga opener

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Néstor Girolami topped a close first free practice session of the FIA TCR World Tour weekend at Vallelunga.

The Hyundai driver beat Lynk & Co Cyan Racing’s Santiago Urrutia by 0.021 seconds and Volcano Motorsport’s John Filippi by 0.023 seconds.

Girolami’s top time of 1:39.933 seconds was however still eight tenths from Esteban Guerrieri’s (Honda) fastest time during testing yesterday.

The Honda driver was fourth fastest in this session, one tenth ahead of reigning champion Norbert Michelisz.

Guerrieri ended the session in the gravel trap, going off at low speed in the Semaforo corner, just as the chequered flag was brought out.

Ma Qing Hua (Lynk & Co) headed team-mate Yann Ehrlacher in sixth position, with Mikel Azcona rounding off the top eight, 0.343 seconds behind Girolami.

Next up is free practice two, starting at 14:55 CEST.