José María López celebrates record equalling tenth win in Qatar

2014 and 2015 World Touring Car champion José María López celebrated his tenth win of the season, matching his own achievement from 2014, at the Losail circuit in Qatar, and is already looking forward to defending his title next year.

The Argentinian secured the drivers’ title last time out in Thailand, and after another strong weekend where he led every practice and qualifying session, the Citroën driver had much to celebrate.

“It was a fantastic weekend for us,” said López. “From the beginning we felt comfortable with the car. It was a track where there was not a lot of grip. We worked hard from the beginning, we managed to have a great car for the race, I thought it was really well balanced. I was pulling away a lot, which showed we have a fantastic car and it’s always nice to finish the season with a win. It’s a shame the season has finished because now there is a long wait but I cannot wait to be at the first race of next year.”

In race two, trouble at the start saw him knocked out of the top ten, and was left with the challenge of pushing forward after an extended safety car period while the Lada of Nicky Catsburg and Chevrolet of Stefano D’Aste were moved to a safe location. López ended the season with an eighth place finish at night in Qatar.

“There was a lot of time on the track behind the safety car and when I wanted to recover it was too late. I went through, I had fun, it was a nice race, tough but the second race is always a war when you start from the back.”