The WTCC moved to the picturesque Moravian circuit of Brno in the Czech Republic. The Intercontinental Rally Challenge moved to the world-famous Ypres Rally, a specialist asphalt event favoured by the Belgians much like the Scandinavians favour Rally Finland. The V8 Supercar Championship moved to Hidden Valley for its first outing since the departure of CEO Cameron Levick.

BMW Italy-Spain enjoyed a double victory n Brno. Alex Zanardi took victory in race one, with Sergio Hernandez in the second race. The first race was marred by a massive incident at the first corner from the rolling start. Pole sitter Augusto Farfus accidentally cut across fellow BMW driver Andy Priaulx, the contact took them both out of the race from the lead, and also caused chaos as many other cars suffered as a result. Farfus admitted he hadn't seen Priaulx, as he was in the blind spot, but nevertheless it was an incident which could easily have been avoided, and one which ultimately affected Priaulx's attempt to challenge for the Chamionship. Priaulx was forced back to the pits to undergo massive repairs, but did emerge again in the first race to test the rebuilt car. He started from near the back of the grid in the second race, and eventually finished eighth after a long hard battle with Jorg Muller, Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro. Race one winner Zanardi was running well until he was hit by Tarquini, causing him to hit the wall and retire.

Briton's Kris Meeke took a surprise victory in Ypres, as he fought off challenges from local Freddy Loix. The Belgian was leading at the end of the first day, but a consistent drive from Meeke on the second paved the way for his victory. Meeke had taken the fight to Loix early n the second day, and was looking likely to seal the victory on race pace alone, but Loix suffered a puncture late on which caused his slip to a final finish of 3rd behind Meeke and Jan Kopecky.

Jason Richards secured a shock pole position for the the first race at Hidden Valley, but suffered heartache late on as his tyres fell away taking his chances of a podium with them. Jamie Whincup took full advantage of his strategy and all round ability to secure another race win, as he looks to defend his championship title in 2009. The second race of the meeting saw Michael Caruso claim an exception victory in the Garry Rogers Motorsport prepared Holden Commodore. He was followed by Alex Davsion, younger brother of Will, in his Irwin Tools backed Ford Falcon. Seeing a host of new faces at the sharp end of the field was just what the V8 Supercars needed, and is a welcome sight for fans all around the world.

Next weekend sees the return of the Superleague Formula, the innovative racing series where football teams race in football club liveries. The opening round of the season will be held at Magny-Cours in France. The WRC continues with the first running of Rally Poland as a full WRC event.

Results

  Touring Cars

    WTCC

      Race 1 Final Positions (Top 10)
        1. Alex Zanardi
        2. Jorg Muller
        3. Gabriele Tarquini
        4. Rickard Rydell
        5. Sergio Hernandez
        6. Tiago Monteiro
        7. Felix Porteiro
        8. Yvan Muller
        9. Tom Coronel
       10. Vito Postiglione

      Race 2 Final Positions (Top 10)
        1. Sergio Hernandez
        2. Yvan Muller
        3. Tiago Monteiro
        4. Felix Porteiro
        5. Gabriele Tarquini
        6. Rickard Rydell
        7. Jorg Muller
        8. Andy Priaulx
        9. Tom Coronel
       10. Vito Postiglione

    V8 Supercar Championship

      Race 1 Final Positions (Top 10)
        1. Jamie Whincup
        2. Mark Winterbottom
        3 Will Davison
        4 Garth Tander
        5. Todd Kelly
        6. Craig Lowndes
        7. Jason Richards
        8. James Courtney
        9. Cameron McConville
       10. Lee Holdsworth

      Race 2 Final Positions (Top 10)
        1. Michael Caruso
        2. Alex Davison
        3. Craig Lowndes
        4. Rick Kelly
        5. Garth Tander
        6. Paul Dumbrell
        7. Lee Holdsworth
        8. Russell Ingall
        9. Shane van Gisbergen
       10. Jamie Whincup

  Rallying

    IRC

      Final Positions (Top 8)
        1. Meeke / Nagle
        2. Kopecky / Stary
        3. Loix / Smeets
        4. Tsjoen / Chevaillier
        5. Hanninen / Markkula
        6. Schammel / Jamoul
        7. Van den Heuvel / Kolman
        8. Basso / Dotta
        9. Betti/ Capolongo
       10. Fontana/Cassina