WTCC Race of Japan: who’s in it to win it?

With FIA WTCC JVCKENWOOD Race of Japan less than 10 days away, here’s a reminder of the World Touring Car chargers chasing success at Twin Ring Motegi from 2-4 September.

Mehdi Bennani: While the WTCC Drivers’ Trophy is his priority, the Moroccan has won outright in 2016 and has the pace to do so again in Japan.

Thed Björk: With a reputation as a pass-master, the Swede will relish Twin Ring Motegi, a track renowned for its ample overtaking opportunities.

Nicky Catsburg: LADA’s star performer in 2016 has what it takes to impress at one of the few WTCC venues he’s raced at previously.

Tom Chilton: Argentina victory has set up the Sébastien Loeb Racing driver for an end-of-season points push.

Tom Coronel: WTCC’s Mr Charisma has enjoyed significant success in Japan, winning its World Touring Car Championship race three times and taking the prestigious Formula Nippon and All-Japan F3 titles in the past.

Grégoire Demoustier: Scored his best qualifying result of the season in Argentina on the back of a successful mid-season test.

Ferenc Ficza: Anxious to make up for lost time after illness kept him out of WTCC Race of Argentina.

John Filippi: Corsican privateer heads to Japan on the back of his best showing of the season, having scored in both races in Argentina.

Néstor Girolami: The back-to-back Súper TC2000 champion from Argentina gets his big chance: a factory Volvo S60 Polestar TC1.

Rob Huff: Didn’t stop overtaking at Twin Ring Motegi last season to score a memorable podium finish. Unsurprisingly, the works Honda driver is a massive fan of the venue.

José María López: Points will be the priority for Citroën’s World Touring Car king with a third WTCC title getting closer and closer.

Norbert Michelisz: After taking a sensational DHL pole position at Twin Ring Motegi last season, the factory Honda driver has what it takes to be super-quick at his second ‘home’ track.

Ryo Michigami: While the WTCC is unknown territory for the accomplished Japanese, he has knowledge the track and car (he tested in Barcelona last month).

Tiago Monteiro: A winner at Twin Ring Motegi in 2015, Monteiro has refused to give up hope of his first WTCC title.

Yvan Muller: Still without a win in 2016, the four-time WTCC champion deserves a change of fortune.

Dániel Nagy: The WTCC Race of Japan weekend provides more opportunity to learn and build his limited know-how.

Gabriele Tarquini: Adamant a non-scoring Argentina weekend was a temporary blip, the 2009 champion will be vying to add to LADA’s 2016 podium tally in Japan.

James Thompson: Twin Ring Motegi is all-new for the Briton but ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport’s racer has the experience to get to grips with untried circuits quickly.

Hugo Valente: Independent racer turned LADA factory driver was a podium finisher in Japan last season.