Race 1: Tarquini lets experience speak amid neutralizations in Marrakech

The WTCR leaders announced fights and contacts; there was a bit of all that during the first race of the opening meeting in Marrakech (Morocco). A red flag, two Safety Car interventions and five retirements marked the 20 laps of Race 1! With so many adventures, victory could only be reserved for a man of experience, Gabriele tarquini (Hyundai) en l’occurrence.

The Italian, WTCC champion in 2009, took the lead as soon as the lights went out, overtaking Thed Bjork (Hyundai). From then on, the BRC Racing Team driver was content to manage his pace, while looking at his mirrors. “I knew the start was the key here because overtaking is difficult, indicates the first WTCR winner. As soon as I passed Thed, I was more relaxed. I managed my pace, the tires and the brakes. It’s a great victory because I’m the oldest in the whole field”, laughs the fifty-year-old (56 years old).

First #WTCR race winner… GABRIELE TARQUINI Well done Gabi & @BRCGasEquipment pic.twitter.com/pJ4PjwoY9s

— FIA WTCR / Oscaro (@FIA_WTCR) April 7th

Thed Björk finished second, just ahead Rob huff (Volkswagen). Jean Karl Vernay (Audi) finished at the foot of the podium, ahead of the fans' favorite, Mehdi Bennani (Volkswagen), author of a lightning start (gained three places).

The strong image of this race is the multiple collision at the first corner. In overspeed, Frederic Vervisch (Audi, retirement) sent James Thompson (Honda, 14th) across, before hitting Tom Coronel (Honda, 21st). Simultaneously, Aurélien Panis (Audi, retirement) clashed with an opponent before Mat'o Homola (Peugeot , 22nd) damaged his right front wing by kissing the wall of tires.

Norbert Michelisz (Hyundai), on the verge of an early start (seven places gained in the first lap!) did not see the checkered flag, due to a detached front left wheel on the fifth lap.

The other French people classified form a group shot from eighth to 12th place, with in order Yann Ehrlacher (Honda), Aurélien Comte (Peugeot), John Filippi (Cupra), Yvan Muller (Hyundai) and Nathanaël Berthon (Audi) .

Qualifying for Races 2 and 3 is scheduled for Sunday at 11:30 a.m. French time.