Nicky Catsburg takes the fight to Citroën with ultra-light Lada

Lada Sport’s Nicky Catsburg was at his most competitive in qualifying at Shanghai since the Moscow Raceway, where he had taken his first victory three months ago.

Catsburg’s improved pace came thanks in part to the change of compensation weight, which see Lada running at base weight after their sensational Russia performance was dropped off the calculation, helping the 28-year-old to qualify just behind triple-champion José María López at the Chinese circuit.

Catsburg almost looked set to secure a second outright pole position for Lada after López was behind the Dutchman in the first two sectors, but the Argentinian found time in the final sector to overhaul the Vesta driver and deprive him of a career-first pole in the WTCC.

“For the first time in my WTCC career I am disappointed to be in P2,” said Catsburg. “I thought when I did the time it was good enough for pole position but I guess if I am going to be beaten by someone with a lap like I did it would be him. I am worried a little bit about the races tomorrow but hopefully I will get two good starts and it will be OK.”