WTCC – Michelisz wins main race at Motegi

Norbert Michelisz (Honda) won the main race in Motegi (Japan) after taking advantage of his pole and a race interrupted after only four laps due to heavy downpour. The official driver of the Japanese manufacturer won ahead of the Volvos of Nicky Catsburg and Nestor Girolami.

With the total number of points distributed, Norbert Michelisz leaves Motegi occupying second place in the Championship, 16,5 points behind Thed Björk (Volvo) who completed the top five behind Esteban Guerrieri (Chevrolet). The Swede took the advantage over the national driver of the event Ryo Michigami (Honda) who subsequently retired when leaving the track at turn 9.

Medhi Bennani took the first Citroën to sixth place ahead of Yann Ehrlacher (Lada). John Filippi (Citroën) took ninth place behind Kevin Gleason (Lada). Tom Chilton (Citroën) completed the top ten ahead of his compatriot Rob Huff (Citroën).

Tom Chilton shines

Tom Chilton won the opening race after starting from the front row against Kevin Gleason before the American lost control of his Vesta WTCC. The Briton won with a good lead over Yann Ehrlacher who held off Thed Björk and Esteban Guerrieri. Thed Björk finished fourth after making contact with replacement Tiago Monteiro, allowing Yvan Muller's nephew to regain the advantage. John Filippi finished in 12th position.

Honda took victory in the MAC3, which was still contested in heavy rain. Esteban Guerrieri, Norbert Michelisz and Ryo Michigami achieved an average time of 4'25''354 at the end of the two laps of the Japanese circuit.

Discover the WTCC report in Motegi in AUTO issue 2138hebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.