Mikhail Aleshin and Daniel Ricciardo's Formula Renault 3.5 title fight came down to the final laps of the finale, while Esteban Guerrieri could have been right with them. Peter Mills recounts the story

Round 1 Motorland Aragon, Spain

The opening World Series by Renault meeting of 2010 coincides with the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull. Despite some unorthodox travel arrangements, the race goes ahead without major disruption.

In a precursor to a stunning championship qualifying record, British Formula 3 champion Daniel Ricciardo takes pole position for his debut. On sodden asphalt, the Australian is beaten away from the line by series returnee Mikhail Aleshin. In foul conditions, the Russian has the advantage of relatively clear visibility, and pulls away to take his first win for Carlin since 2007. Ricciardo later runs wide, allowing 2009 Italian Formula 3 champion Daniel Zampieri into second. Fortec's Sten Pentus and Draco's Julian Leal collide, and at Turn 1 under the ensuing safety-car period, ISR's Esteban Guerrieri crashes into Stefano Coletti.

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