Alain Menu enjoys good weekend to stay in title hunt

Alain Menu took victory in race one and finished fourth in race two to keep within a mathematical chance of winning the drivers’ Championship at Suzuka.

The Swiss-driver had secured pole position ahead of his two Chevrolet team-mates and the Volvo of Robert Dahlgren, and after reclaiming the lead after a pre-race agreement with Muller, held on to take his first win since Porto in July.

“A very good weekend for me and I am very happy with the pace I got
throughout it,” said Menu. “Ahead of Race 1, we had agreed with Yvan not to attack each other at the start and he took the advantage, as I maybe was a little bit too cautious.”

“After the safety car period, I could pass him again and then it was just a matter of saving the tyres, controlling things and not opening the door to Rob.”

“I am still in the race for the championship, but it is going to be very tough, as both Yvan and Rob scored heavy points today!”