Michelisz wins Race 2, but is under investigation
Norbert Michelisz was the first driver to take the chequered flag in WTCR’s Race 2 at Ningbo, a victory that would give him the leadership of the standings. However, the Hungarian driver is under investigation for the incident that eliminated Andy Priaulx during the 12th lap.
Of the other title contenders, the former leader Esteban Guerrieri was involved in the first-lap chaos and lost three laps in the pits, Mikel Azcona pulled up with some technical issues, while Yvan Muller and Thed Björk collected some valuable points as they finished third and fourth respectively.
Néstor Girolami had his lap times disallowed for the incident with Ma Qing Hua during the Qualifying; he was dropped to 16th on the grid and eventually crashed.
At the start, Priaulx sprinted from the pole ahead of Michelisz and Björk. There was chaos during the first lap as a number of drivers were involved in a series of collisions that prompted the safety car into action. The count of the ‘victims’ included Benjamin Leuchter, Ma, Tiago Monteiro, Niels Langeveld, Guerrieri, Frédéric Vervisch and Yann Ehrlacher; only the latter was able to rejoin after a quick pit stop.
The race resumed on lap 6 with Priaulx leading from Michelisz, Gabriele Tarquini, Nicky Catsburg, Muller, Björk and Daniel Haglöf.
The fight for the lead became a battle when Michelisz attacked Priaulx. Tarquini benefited from the fight to take the lead and soon afterwards Michelisz and Priaulx collided; the Briton spun off and retired, while Michelisz was able to continue in second position. One lap later, Tarquini handed his teammate the first position, while Catsburg and Haglöf made contact, which elevated Muller and Björk to third and fourth.
Race 3 will follow at 15:50 local time (09:50 CET).
Race 2
1. Norbert Michelisz (BRC Squadra Corse, Hyundai i30 N), 13 laps
2. Gabriele Tarquini (BRC Squadra Corse, Hyundai i30 N), 0.766
3. Yvan Muller (Cyan Racing, Lykn&Co 03), 1.537
4. Thed Björk (Cyan Racing, Lykn&Co 03), 1.906
5. Daniel Haglöf (PWR Racing, CUPRA), 2.360
Championship points
1. Michelisz 247 pts; Guerrieri 231; 3. Muller 205
