Shanghai, Race 2: López wins and Bennani clinches WTCC Trophy crown

José María López took a dominant win in the Main Race at FIA WTCC Race of China, as Mehdi Bennani became provisional WTCC Trophy champion* by completing a Citroën 1-2-3.

López led from lights out to chequered flag on the way to his eighth win of the season and 29th victory of his WTCC career. He opened up an 11-second advantage over team-mate Yvan Muller, who took second place off the start with a slow getaway from Nicky Catsburg from the front row.

Bennani also capitalised on Catsburg’s difficulties to climb into third, and he kept the LADA driver at bay in the closing stages to complete an all-Citroën podium and take a WTCC Trophy victory that puts him out of reach in the class standings.

Gabriele Tarquini joined team-mate Catsburg in the top five after working his way past Opening Race victor Thed Björk on the first lap. Fredrik Ekblom also moved ahead of fellow Polestar Volvo driver Björk to take sixth on his return weekend.

Tiago Monteiro was eighth, ahead of Bennani’s WTCC Trophy rivals Tom Chilton and Tom Coronel.