WTCC – Lopez and Monteiro win at Motegi

José-Maria Lopez (Citroën) won Race 1 of the WTCC at Motegi (Japan), where the discipline traveled for the first time, by taking the race lead from the first corner at the expense of Tiago monteiro (Honda). The podium was completed by Gabriele tarquini (Honda) who made a good start from 6th position on the grid.

Ma Qinghua led the C-Elysée peloton following the official Civic WTCC, after overtaking Sébastien Loeb and having resisted the attacks ofYvan muller finally 5th in front of the nine-time world champion WRC. Hugo Valente (Chevrolet) completed the top ten behind Mehdi Bennani (Citroen), Rob huff (Lada) and Tiago monteiro (Honda) who had to start from the back of the grid following an engine change. Nicolas lapierre (Lada) finished just outside the points for his first WTCC race, ahead of his compatriots Grégoire Demoustier (Chevrolet) and John Filippi (Chevrolet).

In Race 2, Tiago monteiro offered a home victory to his team, taking advantage of the poleman's poor start Hugo Valente who will have to settle for 2nd place. The departure was lively since José-Maria Lopez had to abandon following contact.

Rob huff (Lada) climbed to the last step of the podium after maintaining pressure on the French driver for a long time. The Briton gained several positions by taking advantage of contact between Ma Qing Hua and Gabriele Tarquini causing the Chinese to spin off. The driver of the Russian manufacturer also benefited from the abandonment ofYvan muller who had lost his hood. Sébastien Loeb finished in 4th place ahead of the Italian's Honda and the Chinese's Citroën.

Nicolas lapierre took 9th place behind the Roal Motorsport Chevrolets Tom Chilton and Tom Coronel. John Filippi ranks 12th ahead Grégoire Demoustier.

Discover the report from the WTCC at Motegi in issue 2029 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.