WTCC: Macau podium for Bennani, Coronel, Michigami

Moroccan driver Mehdi Bennani scored his third win of the season today in the Opening Race of the WTCC weekend at Macau Guia Circuit. Starting from pole position in the reversed grid in the #25 Sebastien Loeb Racing’s Citroen C-Elysee, Bennani stayed in front for entire race to take the victory ahead of two touring car veterans – Tom Coronel in the #9 ROAL Motorsport Chevrolet Cruze and Ryo Michigami in the #34 Honda Racing Team Civic.

Third win of the season for Mehdi Bennani

Behind their back, a drama occured when when title contender Norbert Michelisz was involved in a crash that stopped not only his race but caused a red flag. His Honda Civic blocked the track, leaving many drivers with no way to pass. There was no option but to stop the race and results were called after five of the scheduled eight laps.

Another championship contender Thed Björk finished fourth in the #62 Volvo S60 Polestar, extending his lead in the overall standings. Björk’s main title rival Michelisz was still classified fifth despite his accident.

The 12-lap Main Race at the 6.120-kilometre street circuit will take place on Sunday at 10.45 local time.