WTCR: Vernay wins Race 1 at MacauTarquini, Muller still in a fight for title

Jean-Karl Vernay (Audi Sport Leopard Lukoil Team) clinched his fourth victory this season in the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup in the opening race of the season’s finale at Macau Guia Circuit.

The Frenchman in the #69 Audi RS3 LMS defeated Yvan Muller (M. Racing YMR Hyundai i30) and pole-sitter Rob Huff (Sebastien Loeb Racing Volkswagen Golf) in an exciting race at the famous 6.12-kilometre street circuit.

Gabriele Tarquini is entering the last day of the championship as a leader

The championship leader Gabriele Tarquini (BRC Hyundai i30) finished in the fourth place after starting seventh on the grid. The result means the fight for the inaugural WTCR title now comes to a two-way duel between Tarquini and Muller in two Sunday’s races. Tarquini leads with a 33-point advantage.

As expected at narrow Macau track, the race was interrupted by a Safety Car because of two separate accidents on the opening lap. Prior to that interruption, Muller and Vernay passed by pole-sitter Huff. At the restart on Lap 3, Vernay took the lead from Muller and stayed in front until the end.

The race was stopped again on Lap 5 after Gordon Shedden’s Audi nosed hard into a barrier at Police corner and blocked the track. At the restart, Vernay defended his lead.