C2 – Guerrieri winner after an hour-long red flag at Sepang

Almost all observers of the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) had predicted it: the final in Sepang (Malaysia) was not going to take place without its share of incidents. The second contested race between dog and wolf demonstrated this. 

Tempers flare as soon as the lights go out. Starting on pole, Ma Qing Hua (Alfa Romeo) was quickly overtaken by Nestor Girolami (Honda). In suddenly pouring rain, the drivers mixed their choice of tires between full slicks, full rain and slicks at the front, rain at the rear.

In the confusion, several pilots hang on, creating an improbable mish-mash. Nicky Catsburg (Hyundai) forgets the brake pedal and hits Yvan Muller (Lynk&Co) even though he had moved up to fifth place. 

The engine of the Dutchman's Hyundai then caught fire, while the championship leader, Norbert Michelisz (Hyundai), hit the gravel! The red flag is waved to restore calm and order. 

In the stands, Yvan Muller is furious. “Look, are you filming?” Mr Catsburg. For three races, he has tried everything he can to push me, to hit me, proclaims the Frenchman. Here, he tried for three turns, he saw that he had no chance, he just let the car roll, he didn't brake, deliberately to hit me. 

Motorsport is a wonderful sport, but not when you have these kinds of drivers, who don't deserve to be here. I was his target. I hope that for once he gets penalized severely, but he'll probably get off easy. »

The race interruption lasts more than an hour. At the restart, everyone is wearing rain tires. The starting order is decided according to the last sector contested under green flag. Thus, Yvan Muller starts fifth, while Esteban Guerrieri is second and Norbert Michelisz 13th.

The peloton turns out to be more respectful in the second part of the effort. One time leader, Nestor Girolami lets his teammate Esteban Guerrieri pass. Yvan Muller fails to recover and even loses a position against Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen, 3rd).

Sixth under the checkered flag, the Alsatian is no longer in the race for the 2019 WTCR title. On the other hand, Esteban Guerrieri prolongs the suspense, and in what way! The Argentinian is only 10 points behind Norbert Michelisz, who drove offensively (8th).

Race 3 will start at 13:15 p.m. French time. And to complete the season, Norbert Michelisz and Esteban Guerrieri will occupy the first row…

WTCR Sepang 2019 Results – Race 2: