LADA WTCC drivers sorry for on-track clashes

Nicky Catsburg and Hugo Valente both issued apologies following separate clashes in the FIA WTCC AFRIQUIA Race of Morocco Opening Race on Sunday.

Valente accepted the blame for a clash with pole-sitter and early race leader James Thompson, which left the Briton spinning into a concrete wall and eventual retirement, while Catsburg admitted he was at fault for contact with Polestar driver Thed Björk.

“I had the pace and the lead in the Opening Race and was in control,” said Valente. “I was sorry for the contact with James as it ruined both our races. He braked very early for the corner and I wasn’t expecting that and we touched but the blame is on me. After that and the drive-through penalty, I was able to show the speed I had and get fastest lap but it’s not a race win that I could have had.”

Catsburg, who was forced to start from the pit lane for the Main Race following his indiscretion, tweeted: “Apologies to ‪@Bjorkbm. Locked up and hit him.”