Suzuka, Race 2: Michelisz beats Huff for victory

Norbert Michelisz grabbed back the advantage in the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup title chase with victory in a frantic reverse-grid Race 2 at WTCR Race of Japan.

The BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver started from the DHL Pole Position and robustly defended his lead from fellow front-row starter Rob Huff off the line, then led the SLR VW Motorsport driver for the rest of the 24 laps around the 2.243-kilometre Suzuka Circuit East Course circuit. Huff was always within range of making a move, but Michelisz never gave the Briton a chance to pass.

“Fantastic,” said the Hungarian, who now leads Race 1 winner Esteban Guerrieri by six points, destination of the season-deciding super-finale in December. “The race was very difficult. I tried to build a gap in the beginning and saw Rob falling back. But he has a great approach, saved his tyres and came back at me. That was 24 qualifying laps for me, I was on the limit.

“The only approach is to go flat out and I’m very happy with my performance. Points are important when I can take them. My approach for Race 3 will be the same. Starting P10, I need to go for points.”

The only shadow on Michelisz’s race was being shown the black and white flag for driving standards after moving far to the right off the line and into the pitlane exit to defend his lead from Huff.

Behind the leading pair, Kevin Ceccon chased Gabriele Tarquini hard for the final podium position. The Team Mulsanne Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR drew alongside the BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse Hyundai i30 N TCR several times into Turn 1 and on one occasion Tarquini nudged Ceccon wide, but the younger Italian wasn’t quite able to make a move stick.

“It was quite hot with Kevin,” admitted Tarquini. “He was the fastest driver in the race.”

Thed Björk held of Tiago Monteiro, Johan Kristoffersson and Mikel Azcona for fourth, while Jean-Karl Vernay rose from P13 on the grid to finish ninth. Guerrieri, who started the race sixth, slipped back to P10, banking safe points for the title and avoiding the risk of an incident.

SLR Volkswagen’s Benjamin Leuchter was P11, ahead of Néstor Girolami, Frédéric Vervisch and Yvan Muller. Yann Ehrlacher was the final points finisher in P15. Niels Langeveld retired following a clash with Augusto Farfus. Attila Tassi placed 24 after running off track.

Race 3 at WTCR Race of Japan is due to begin at 11h30 local time.