Yvan Muller was victorious in race one after leading the field for the entire nine laps. His SEAT Sport team-mate Jordi Gené crossed the line behind him and the podium was completed by James Thompson of Alfa Romeo. The chequered flag came just in time for Muller as on his in-lap he suffered a puncture to his front left tyre. The result enabled the Frenchman to move up to second in the Drivers'' Championship, only four points behind Priaulx.
At the first corner an incident involving Andy Priaulx and Roberto Colciago occurred. Colciago hit Priaulx''s BMW 320si which damaged its suspension and the reigning champion and current championship leader was forced to retire in the pits. Alessandro Zanardi and Sergio Hernández were stopped in avoidance and rejoined at the back of the field. Stefano D''Aste pitted after hitting a plastic barrier in the same chicane. Tom Coronel and Jörg Müller also had problems there and dropped down after clashing with other cars.