WTCC – Lopez crowned at Motegi, Muller and Michelisz winners

José Maria Lopez celebrates his third consecutive coronation in Motegi (Japan) at the end of Race 2 where he started from pole. The Argentinian led for a large part of the event before giving way to his teammate Yvan Muller who was able to achieve his first victory of the season and return to equal points against Tiago Monteiro (Honda) who completed the podium of Race 2.

Mehdi Bennani (Citroën) took fourth place ahead of Nestor Girolami (Volvo) who brilliantly replaced Robert Dahlgren. Tom Chilton (Citroën) beat Thed Björk (Volvo), while the Swede preceded the Hondas of Norbert Michelisz and Rob Huff. Gabriele Tarquini (Lada) completed the top ten.

Hugo Valente (Lada) crossed the checkered flag in 13th place while Grégoire Demoustier (Citroën) took 15th place ahead of John Filippi (Chevrolet).

Race 1

Honda scored its first WTCC hat-trick on home soil in Race 1. Norbert Michelisz scored his first victory for the Japanese manufacturer after starting from pole ahead of teammate Rob Huff. Tiago Monteiro completed the hat-trick for the Japanese brand after a superb start from seventh place.

Starting from the fifth row, the Citroëns of José Maria Lopez and Yvan Muller completed the top five after moving up numerous places in the peloton. The double world champion clashed with Nicky Catsburg (Lada) who was only able to salvage a seventh position by finishing behind Thed Björk (Volvo). The Swede tried to resist against the official C-Elysée before losing at the end of the race.

The Dutchman took the checkered flag ahead of Tom Chilton, Nestor Girolami and Gabriele Tarquini. John Filippi finished in 14th place. Grégoire Demoustier finished 17th after receiving a drive-through for clashing with his compatriot Hugo Valente who retired at the end of the first lap.

WTCC results at Motegi

Discover the WTCC report in Motegi in AUTO issue 2079hebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.