The seventh round of the 2014 Auto GP season got underway today at the Nürburgring. Under a cloudy sky that also brought some rain on-track, the teams and drivers of the Coloni-promoted series lined-up for their opening practice session at the Eifel venue. In the end it was Kevin Giovesi (FMS) to cruise to the top end of the charts win 1'32"486. The Italian, who entered the Caterham F.1 program in the last few weeks, was followed by championship leader Kimiya Sato (Euronova Racing). The Japanese jumped in front of Virtuosi UK's Tamas Pal Kiss and Super Nova International's Markus Pommer in the middle stages

The German, who showed great chemistry with the Nürburgring by taking an early lead, was followed by team-mate Michela Cerruti, who is back after a podium finish in the previous round at Zeltweg.The German, who showed great chemistry with the Nürburgring by taking an early lead, was followed by team-mate Michela Cerruti, who is back after a podium finish in the previous round at Zeltweg.

Sixth place went to Yoshitaka Kuroda (Euronova Racing) in front of Giuseppe Cipriani (Ibiza Racing Team). Four more Italians rounded out the chart: Michele La Rosa (MLR71 by Euronova), Andrea Roda (Virtuosi UK), Francesco Dracone (Super Nova International) and Salvatore De Plano (FMS).

The weekend's activities will resume later today with qualifying, which will go underway at 16:20. Race 1 is set to take place on Saturday 16th with live TV streaming on the official Auto GP website t 16:45 (and tape-delayed coverage on Eurosport at 19:00). Race 2 will be held on Sunday 17th at 16:25 (again live on the Auto GP website and tape-delayed on Eurosport at 17:45). A live timing service will also be available on www.autogp.net.