Kristian Poulsen takes first podium at Monza

Danish driver Kristian Poulsen took his first ever overall podium finish at Monza last weekend in the World Touring Car Championship and further built-up his lead in the Yokohama Independents’ Trophy.

The 35-year-old from Flensborg, Denmark finished as the second highest placed independent in race one, and overtook Tiago Monteiro and Norbert Michelisz during race two to secure the final podium spot as well as the independents’ class victory in his Engstler/Poulsen Motorsport BMW 320 TC.

“It was a fantastic race, standing on the podium as third and winning the independents’, and second in the first race scored some really good points for this weekend,” said Poulsen to TouringCarTimes.

“I think we already proved in Macau when we had the same kilos in the car that the team and car really works well. It’s really close with Michelisz, (Darryl) O’Young and (Javier) Villa, they’re going to be tough to beat. It’s not easy but I had a little luck today.”

Poulsen’s lead in the independents’ category is now 12 points over Darryl O’Young, Javier Villa and Norbert Michelisz who are all in joint-second place.

Poulsen’s Danish compatriot Michel Nykjaer slid down the points order after a terrible weekend at Monza, finishing 12th overall in race one and then failing to start race two with problems with his SEAT’s turbo.

Liqui-Moly Team Engstler also hold top position in the independents’ teams trophy with 65 points, 23 points ahead of Proteam Racing, with Bamboo & SUNRED both a further three points behind.

Independents’ Points Standings