GT / Tourism
C2 – Michelisz rescued amid clashes in Ningbo
Usually, World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) competitors exercise caution during Race 2 of each meeting. Indeed, the very short repair time before the last race does not allow critical damage to the cars to be replaced. However, the second race of the meeting in Ningbo (China) saw many accidents!
Just in the first round, championship leader Esteban Guerrieri (Honda) went in the opposite direction following contact with Augusto Farfus (Hyundai), while Yann Ehrlacher (Lynk & Co) crashed into Aurélien Panis (Cupra) and Jean-Karl Vernay (Audi) due to Mikel Azcona (Cupra). In addition, the location of the stage Ma Qing Hua (Alfa Romeo) lost a wheel, and Benjamin Leuchter (Volkswagen) stopped against a wall of tires. Phew!
The five laps spent under Safety Car regime were not going to calm things down at all. Nestor Girolami (Honda) opened his right front axle, Mikel Azcona slowed down suspiciously, without forgetting the retirement of the two Comtoyou drivers (Vervisch and Langeveld due to gearbox problems).
At the front, veteran Andy Priaulx (Lynk & Co) seemed able to achieve his first success for his return to Tourism. But the three-time WTCC world champion's pace began to drop on lap 11, allowing Norbert Michelisz (Hyundai) to get dangerously close. Finally, a puncture got the better of the Englishman, who was then hit by the Hungarian!
It was that devil Gabriele Tarquini (Hyundai) who took the opportunity to take the lead. But the outgoing champion was called to order by his team; Norbert Michelisz is playing for the title this year. The veteran therefore left his position as leader.
All these incidents benefited Yvan Muller (Lynk & Co). The Frenchman, winner in Race 1 and qualified in 10th place, moved up to the third step of the podium. The Alsatian occupies this same place in the general classification.
After exiting the first lap, Jean-Karl Vernay finished 11th, Yann Ehrlacher 15th and Aurélien Panis 17th.
WTCR ranking by Oscaro Ningbo 2019 – Race 2:
General classification :
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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