Clarke on Jani was the only move of note before the premonition became reality, this time briefly for debris in turn three, but the second restart saw Power blow by qualifying rival Junqueira and Tagliani put a move on Dalziel after the
Quebecois had emerged from a quick splash and dash. There was action further forward too, with Wilson taking a run at Bourdais after the Frenchman appeared to bog down in turn three. The move was clumsy, however, and resulted in Wilson spinning to the inside of the road after clattering the kerb and barging his rival amidships. Bourdais escaped unharmed, while Wilson set about charging back from twelfth and last on the road.
The closely following Clarke ducked inside Junqueira in the confusion but, having been told to hand the position back as the move came questionably close to the yellows over Wilson, then saw his composure slip, allowing Jani and Pagenaud to pass him in quick succession.
Out front, Bourdais set about showing that there were no ill-effects from the contact with Wilson by closing in on Servia, the Spaniard having to resist a look on lap 20 before being told that he was free to use his fuel in an effort to break the Frenchman's attraction. Ten laps later and the gap between them was up to nearly nine seconds, but Servia then tossed away any advantage by making a slow exit from turn six and allowing Bourdais to pounce. The timing of the pass could not have been more crucial with the pit-stop window opening, and eventually cost Servia dear.
Wilson, Bourdais and the Catalan had all just pitted when the first spots of rain were detected on pit-road, but the remaining stoppers all opted for a change of slicks instead of taking the opportunity to gamble on wets - except one.
