Michelisz’s fourth win means he’s back on top
Norbert Michelisz claimed a lights-to-flag victory in WTCR Race 2 at Suzuka; his fourth win of the season that propelled him back on top of the standings with a six-point advantage over Esteban Guerrieri. After winning yesterday’s Race 1, the Argentine was never in contention for the top positions; he lost one place at the start and then progressively dropped from seventh to tenth at the end of the race. The third title contender, Yvan Muller, was involved in the mid-field battles and was classified 14th, dropping 37 points behind the leader.
At the start, Michelisz zigzagged to keep Rob Huff behind and this resulted in a warning flag, while Gabriele Tarquini kept third position ahead of Kevin Ceccon. For the whole race, Huff tried to get close enough to attempt an overtaking move, but to no avail because Michelisz didn’t make the slightest mistake. Behind them the fight for third was much closer, with Ceccon trying to pass Tarquini in every lap and the latter putting in a great defensive drive to retain the last spot on the podium.
Similarly, Thed Björk was able to keep Tiago Monteiro at bay to finish fifth. After making a poor start, Guerrieri was passed by Joahn Kristoffersson and Mikel Azcona in lap 2, dropping from seventh to ninth; for most of the race his teammate Néstor Girolami protected his shoulders, but in the final laps, Jean-Karl Vernay managed to pass them both to finish ninth.
Race 3 will follow at 11:30 local time (03:30 CET).
Race 2
1. Norbert Michelisz (BRC Squadra Corse, Hyundai i30 N), 24 laps
2. Rob Huff (SLR, Volkswagen Golf GTI), 0.293
3. Gabriele Tarquini (BRC Squadra Corse, Hyundai i30 N), 8.205
4. Kevin Ceccon (Team Mulsanne, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce), 8.531
5. Thed Björk (Cyan Racing, Lynk&Co 03), 11.102
Championship points
1. Michelisz 274; 2. Guerrieri 268 pts; 3. Muller 237
