Now released, Tarquini had no trouble closing the three second gap to Dirk Muller, who had spent the last few laps attempting to get the past the slower, but equally determined Larini. Indeed, Tarquini, who had almost been barged off the circuit by his team-mate Yvan Muller on the first lap, found himself past both Muller and Larini within a couple of corners and set about closing the gap to Terting, the German having pulled out a three second lead.
Muller though continued to be stuck behind Larini, even after nudging the Italian onto the wet grass as they headed down the back straight, the former European champion keeping his foot planted and using his superior handling to get past again into turn twelve.
Much to his frustration though, Muller was being backed into Rydell and Gene, the latter having a excellent race having started from the pit lane. Indeed, the duo duly dispatched the German, who was needing to use this ideal opportunity to close the gap on Priaulx, down to sixth place. Sixth became seventh when Muller was passed by Rob Huff on the final lap, the Brit performing well from 15th on the grid.
Up at the front, there was something of an inevitability about what was set to occur on the tenth and final lap as Tarquini hounded Terting without seemingly being interested to pass the German, who had led impeccably well in awful conditions.
Unsurprisingly, Terting got a pang of conscience and as both he and Tarquini vaulted the crest on the back straight against an increasingly dusky backdrop, the former British, Italian and European Champion was allowed to move through and take his first win of the season, a result that puts him right back in the title hunt.
Terting equalled his best result of the season in second place, but had disappointment etched on his face as he stepped out of his car. Larini claimed his first ever podium for Chevrolet after a classy display of defensive driving from Rydell, the experienced driver having delve into the recesses of his skills to keep the clearly faster SEAT behind him.
