WTCC Race of Qatar: five key questions

High-performance motorsport returns to the Middle East next month but this time on four wheels rather than two.

After Chaz Davies claimed a win double in the World Superbike Championship finale at the Losail International Circuit last weekend, it’s the turn of the FIA World Touring Car Championship to visit the Qatar track for a floodlit spectacular from 24-25 November. And here are five key questions:

1: Can López equal season record?

It’s going to be a tall order but a double victory for José María López will equal his record of 10 wins in one season. He made it eight for the year last time out in China.

2: Will Muller bow out with victory?

World Touring Car Championship legend Yvan Muller will call time on his WTCC career in Qatar but can the Frenchman sign off with a race win?

3: Can Monteiro overhaul Muller?

Honda driver Tiago Monteiro will be determined to spoil Yvan Muller’s farewell party by snatching the runner-up spot from the Citroën driver in the final championship standings. Does he have what it takes to reverse Muller’s 31-point advantage?

4: Who will be Honda’s hero?

Tiago Monteiro (204 points), Norbert Michelisz (190) and Rob Huff (180) are vying to finish the season as Honda’s best-placed factory driver. But who will come out on top?

5: Is it time for some LADA WTCC MAC3 magic?

LADA has yet to score a Manufacturers Against the Clock (WTCC MAC3) team time trial victory in 2016. Will that change in Qatar?