López maintains strong lead in WTCC
04 May 2015

Current FIA WTCC Champion José María “Pechito” López enjoyed his Hungarian weekend at Hungaroring.  Following the two races, with a win in race 1 and a 6th on race 2, Lopez now leads the table with a bigger advantage of 34 points over Sebastien Loeb and 44 points ahead of third qualified Yvan Muller.

Home favourite Michelisz on a revamped Honda also delivered what 95% of those at Hungaroring had wanted to see.  A top podium place in race 2, bringing the ecstatic Hungarian fans on their feet and a standing ovation to their favourite driver as he sped past the chequered flag and is now surely converted into a national hero.  “Not only is Michelisz a friendly, approachable person he is a fantastic driver” claimed one of the few non-Hungarian fans in attendance.

Though the weekend also had other areas of interest and the Championship, which has Japanese Tyre manufacturer YOKOHAMA as its official tyre supplier, continues to excite the crowds and attract the interest of many.  In race 1, Hugo Valente, of Campos Racing, also proved to be a strong driver and one with a huge amount of potential.  The 22 year old has also been described by Yvan Muller as a very talented driver who can go very far in the future in the Championship.  At Hungaroring he delivered just that, skills and talent and came away with a very good 3rd place closely following Yvan Muller who ended in 2nd place.

In race 2, following Michelisz, Coronel and Chilton managed a 2nd and 3rd respectively to make an “independents” podium complete.

In terms of the YOKOHAMA drivers trophy the current standing are:

1          Norbert Michelisz - 47pts

2          Tom Chilton - 43 pts

3          Mehdi Bennani - 35 pts

The FIA World Touring Car Championship continues at the legendary Nürburgring - Nordschleife on the 16th May in what promises to be a weekend to remember.