TCR World Tour - Santiago Uruttia wins C1 at Bathurst

The Uruguayan from Lynk & Co enjoys success on one of the most prestigious circuits of the season. He signed his second victory of the season while Norbert Michelisz, leader of the championship, had to be content with 10th place in the race. Rob Huff (6th) takes provisional control of the TCR World Tour.

Published on 11/11/2023 à 11:42

⁰ View comments)

TCR World Tour – Santiago Uruttia wins C1 at Bathurst

©TCR Media

It was from the front row that Urrutia scored a victory that never seemed to escape him. On the front row alongside the poleman, the Australian driver Danny d'Alberto, Urrutia got off to an excellent start, being followed by Nestor Girolami at the wheel of a brand new Honda Civic Type R. The Argentinian quickly got rid of Alberto before even the first turn. Downgraded (qualified second) for having made an engine change, Yann Ehrlacher (Lynk & Co) started from 7th place. Very comfortable on the Mount Panorama route, the Frenchman is gradually moving up the hierarchy. In an uneventful race, he placed 4th.

Michelisz and Huff exchange leadership positions

Robert Michelisz (Hyundai) takes on the ballast which rewards his good results the previous week at the Sydney Motorsport Park. On a high-speed track, even the slightest extra kilo is a real handicap. The Hungarian will nevertheless play a good game in this first round by ranking 10th. He will start from pole position for the C2 contested on the night of Saturday to Sunday. However, this result made him lose the TCR World Tour lead to Rob Huff in 6th this morning. The Briton's lead is only 6 small points (over Ehrlacher, editor's note), he will have to defend this place dearly to arrive in Macau in a position of strength, he who is the record holder for victories in the ancient Portuguese city.

Azcona gets down on one knee

The 2022 WTCR champion bites the dust once again. Victim of a puncture on the fourth lap, the Iberian driver was unable to reach the pits. This abandonment is a real disappointment for those who hoped to be able to begin their climb up the general ranking. Azcona parks his Elantra on the shoulder, revealing the safety car. There will be no further changes to the rankings for this race. Uruttia wins ahead of Girolami and Alberto. There are two rounds remaining for TCR World Tour competitors at the Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst.