Opening win suits McNish

Starting from the front row of the 40-car grid in the Audi R15 TDi 'Plus' at the Paul Ricard circuit, McNish stormed into the lead on the third lap and was never headed.

The 40-year-old Scotsman, along with co-driver Dindo Capello, eventually finished five laps and some 18 miles clear of their nearest rivals.

It was the perfect start to the team's preparations ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hours in June, albeit without nearest rivals Peugeot in attendance.

McNish said: "I'm highly delighted, if somewhat surprised considering the newness of the Audi. But with the factory Peugeots not being here we'll not know exactly how competitive we really are until next month's race at Spa."