Having debuted a new car that took him to runner-up spot at the Main Event at the end of May, Risto Poutiainen was looking to build on a solid start to the 2010 championship. In terms of the bald facts, a low qualifying last session effort (4.179), low ET (4.118) and another runner-up finish in the spectacular final against Lehtimäki was a good haul for the weekend. However, Risto’s weekend almost ended in an instant after he crossed the finish line close to the centerline in the second qualifying session at the end of a strong 4.167. A car length ahead and also running the centerline was Stig Neergaard who crossed in front of Poutiainen having run a 4.059; when Neergaard dumped the chutes a collision was inevitable, the impact vaulting Poutiainen’s ride high in the air and spinning Neergaard around. Somehow both drivers emerged unscathed and would make qualifying shots after the stewards ruled both runs out which then resulted in a series of protests and some ill feeling in the respective camps. Neergaard was able to fix his car but was then bumped from the field in the final session by, you’ve guessed it, Poutiainen’s last gasp pole setter behind the wheel of the spare RFM car that he’d retired six weeks previously.