Lada thanks van Lagen for WTCC contribution

LADA Sport Rosneft has thanked Jaap van Lagen after the Dutch driver’s FIA World Touring Car Championship adventure with the team came to an end with the signing of Nicolas Lapierre for the season-closing quartet of races.

Van Lagen, who formed part of the LADA-blessed Russian Bears squad in 2008, returned to the LADA fold for WTCC Race of Germany in May and instantly impressed by going fastest in Free Practice 1 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

He scored a best result of sixth place in Slovakia in June and twice started on the front row of the grid, including in pole position for the reverse-grid second race at the Slovakia Ring.

A statement from LADA Sport Rosneft said: “Jaap joined the team at short notice and performed remarkably well from the very beginning of his spell in LADA Sport Rosneft colours. The team would like to thank him for his efforts.”

Lapierre, meanwhile, will make his debut for LADA Sport Rosneft when Twin Ring Motegi hosts JVC KENWOOD WTCC Race of Japan from 11-13 September.