Pau-Arnos – EL1: Müller strikes first, 3 French people in the Top 10

After a first day given to the PURE ETCR on Friday, the WTCR made its debut this Saturday near Pau-Arnos. On the program for this inaugural outing of the weekend? A 45-minute free practice session to quickly get your bearings before qualifying.

A novice on the Béarn track, just like his counterparts, Yvan Muller stood out as the most successful man in these EL1s. The Cyan Racing driver covered the 3 kilometers and dust of Pau-Arnos in 1'19"747. The Habs brought a duo from Lynk & Co as the Swede Thed Björk from Cyan Performance ranked 2nd, just over a tenth behind. French Jean-Karl Vernay (Hyundai Racing) a complété le Top 3 en terminant à 0“126 de la première référence chronométrique du jour.

Championship leader, Yann Ehrlacher (Cyan Racing) was content with 7th fastest time in these EL1s. With a lap in 1'20"166, the Alsatian was 0"419 behind Yvan Muller. Norbert Michelisz (Hyundai Squadra Corse), Frédéric Vervisch (Comtoyou Team Audi) and Mikel Azcona (Cupra Zengö Motorsport) completed the Top 10. The latter also had a big scare as he lost control of his Cupra Leon in the first chicane. Ultimately more fear than harm for the Spaniard who was able to get back on the track afterwards. Fourth Frenchman entered, Nathanaël Berthon (Comtoyou DHL Team Audi) was only in 13th place in this session, almost 7 tenths from the lead.