Michelisz on pole as Honda sweeps the front row for WTCC Opening Race in Japan

Honda will start the Opening Race at FIA WTCC JVCKENWOOD Race of Japan with two cars on the front row, Norbert Michelisz grabbing pole position.

Michelisz claimed 10th in the second part of qualifying at Motegi to secure the DHL-presented pole position for the Opening Race, with team-mate Rob Huff taking ninth to join him on the front row.

“To have the front row for the first race is amazing,” said Michelisz, who was also delighted to see Tiago Monteiro make it through to Q3. “With 80 kilograms we expected it to be difficult but I think it’s possible to score a lot of points.”

A Volvo and a LADA will share the second row of the grid, with Thed Björk leading Nicky Catsburg. Néstor Girolami will be fifth in the other Volvo for his first race back in the WTCC.