Wang Rue wins rain-hit season opener at Zhuhai
Wang Rue won the first round of the 2013 CTCC at the Zhuhai International Circuit this weekend in a race hit by an unexpected heavy rain shower.
Zhang Zhi Qiang of G Racing and Guo Hua Sheng and Lin Le Feng of Kia Racing were permitted to start the race despite not taking part in qualifying, increasing the grid to 12 cars, but last year’s champion Han Han was unable to take part in the race due to a lack of spare parts for his Shanghai VW Racing Polo.
The race start was delayed after the warm up lap due to a sudden burst of rain.
When the race started several minutes later, Volkswagen’s Gao Hua Yang spun off in the first corner, with Kia’s Guo Hua Sheng following suit on the same lap.
The retirement of Ford drivers Martin Xie and Jiang Tengyi on lap two led to the safety car being brought out, with Volkswagen’s Wang Rue now leading the race.
The race was stopped on lap 12 as the conditions did not improve and only six cars are able to compete the race despite the majority of the race being held behind the safety car.
Wang Rue emerged as the race winner, with Rainey He of Chang’an Ford FRD Team and Lin Le Feng of Kia Racing finishing second and third.
The second round of CTCC will be held on May 26th at the Shanghai International Circuit.
