When Junqueira pitted on lap 27, a largely untroubled Wilson retook the lead but, if the leader was without problems, there were others who weren’t, several drivers reporting that their Power to Pass’ systems were not working correctly. Determined that the situation should not unfairly punish those unfortunates, race officials decreed that, from lap 22, no-one would be able to use the system for the remainder of the race, although that had failed to deter Heylen from completing his passing spree by getting around Gommendy on lap 24.
Possibly the remainder of whatever had afflicted Jani, debris brought out another caution on lap 30, prompting the majority to stop for fuel and tyres. Junqueira was again promoted to the front, but the order received a minor shake-up when Bourdais stalled trying to exit. With the field still being controlled by the pace car, however, the Frenchman – along with Tagliani – called in next time around to add a little extra to their tanks. Once the green returned, the three-time champion wasted little time in mounting his recovery, passing both Figge and Legge on lap 34, and then accounting for Dalziel two tours later.
Running with a clear track at the other end of the train, Junqueira posted another candidate for fastest lap, only to see Rahal counter it on lap 45. Clarke, meanwhile, had been forced to take his third stop under green as fuel mileage finally came into play.
Tagliani, despite topping up with Bourdais, was in again on lap 47, with others to have taken advantage of the lap two yellow following suit, Doornbos and Figge on lap 48 and Jani joining Junqueira next time around, putting Wilson back in front.
