Thed Björk gives Lykn&Co an historical victory

Thed Björk won the third WTCR race at Marrakech and wrote an historical page in motorsport; in fact the Swede gave the maiden victory to Lynk&Co, which was the first ever for a Chinese manufacturer in an international automobile race.

And on top of this, Björk also took the lead in the standings, five points clear of Esteban Guerrieri and 12 ahead of Gabriele Tarquini.

Results could have been even better for Lynk&Co, as Yvan Muller was set to lead a 1-2 finish for Cyan Racing until he retired when something broke in the front suspension.

Frédéric Vervisch, who was on pole position spoiled, his chances with a poor start and eventually finished second, while reigning TCR Europe champion Mikel Azcona claimed a first podium on his maiden WTCR appearance.
Nicky Catsburg did not make to the grid, because the BRC Racing crew could not repair his car after the accident in Race 2.
Vervisch took a poor start from the pole and was pipped by Muller and Björk; the Belgian was able to defend third position ahead of Azcona. During the first lap Yann Ehrlacher and Tiago Monteiro collided and crashed, prompting the safety car on the track.
Action resumed on lap 6 and Muller built a small gap ahead of Björk who was put under pressure from Vervisch and Azcona. Guerrieri followed in fifth position leading a small group that included Jean-Karl Vernay, Gabriele Tarquini, Néstor Girolami and Gordon Shedden.
Suddenly on lap 12, Muller’s pace faded and on the following lap the Frenchman slowed down and headed for the pits. Björk inherited the lead and was working hard to close all the gaps and avoid Vervisch from attempting an overtaking manoeuvre.
On lap 20, Vernay spun and crashed from fifth due a brake failure, which resulted in the safety car being deployed again, this time until the end of the race.
The WTCR will resume at the Hungaroring on April 27/28 for rounds 4, 5 and 6.

Race 3
1. Thed Björk (Cyan Racing , Lynk&Co 03), 23 laps
2. Frédéric Vervisch (Comtoyou Racing, Audi RS 3 LMS), 0.680
3. Mikel Azcona (PWR Racing, CUPRA), 3.039
4. Esteban Guerrieri (Münnich Motorsport, Honda Civic FK7), 6.182
5. Gabriele Tarquini (BRC Squadra Corse, Hyundai i30 N), 10.174

Championship points
1. Björk 61 pts; 2. Guerrieri 56; 3. Tarquini 49