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“Like every year, practice was really exciting this morning,” said Kovalainen, who won The Race of Champions title in 2004. “I would like to do more running but it’s part of the game and I got a good feel for the track and the cars.

 

“I would like to think I’m very adaptable and you have to be because the heats go so quickly. It’s better like that though; better to sort it out quickly and see what happens rather than hang around. It’s the opposite of Formula 1 where you wait, wait, wait and then have one quick run before waiting again.”

Heikke Kovalainen

 

Triple World Touring Car Champion, Andy Priaulx, was amongst the competitors practicing around the specially constructed parallel race track this morning.

 

“It’s awesome!” said Priaulx, who says his favourite car was the Ford Focus WRC car. “The ramp is incredible. In the Solution F touring car you do a complete power lift over the jump and when you land there’s a grandstand straight in front of you!

 

“I like the track; I think it’s quite technical but faster than last year. The first corner is really quick so if it stays dry it’s going to be great!”

 

Also on track this morning were Le Mans 24 Hour expert Tom Kristensen, SEAT WTCC star Yvan Muller, double NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, reigning DTM champion Mattias Ekström, 1995 British Rally Champion Alister McRae and X Games multiple winner Travis Pastrana.

 

“Everything is ok so far,” said Ekström, who won The Race of Champions title in France last year. “I’ve tested all the cars except the Aston Martin. The grip is getting better and better and I’m really excited.

 

“To win The Race of Champions you need luck, to be quick and consistent. It’s hard work because anyone can win. All the guys here are top of their disciplines.”

 

This afternoon all eight remaining drivers will be testing including: Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Sebastian Vettel, Marcus Grönholm Petter and Henning Solberg.

The Ford Focus WRC in practice today