Photo: Citroën Racing

Citroën win MAC3 time trial in Portugal

Citroën Racing have won the Manufacturers’ Against the Clock heat at Vila Real in Portugal, finishing ahead of Honda by three-tenths of a second, helping to maintain their points lead over Honda after the Japanese marque took pole position.

The three competing drivers of Yvan Muller, José María López and Tom Chilton, the latter a substitute for Mehdi Bennani after Citroën decided the Moroccan was short of track time on Friday, lagged behind the Honda trio during the early stages after a sluggish start from López, but regained the time back on the second lap.

Lada were out of the running after an even worse start from Gabriele Tarquini, and finished eight seconds behind.

Citroën pick up ten points for winning the heat with Honda scoring eight, but with Honda qualifying first and third, the championship gap remains unchanged at 172 points.