Photo: WTCC Media

Alex MacDowall pleased to hold off Yvan Muller

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Bamboo Engineering’s Alex MacDowall was pleased to hold off newly crowned WTCC champion, Yvan Muller, in the first race of two at Suzuka.

The Briton was almost able to edge up alongside pole sitter, Norbert Michelisz, going into the first corner of the first race after the rolling start, but eventually decided to tuck in behind the the Zengo Honda driver to take second come the end of the race by 0.6 seconds.

The Bamboo Engineering driver was also able to withstand pressure and finish as the best of the Chevrolets ahead of Muller, despite the Frenchman’s attempts to claim the second step on the podium.

MacDowall also won the independent driver’s category.

“It was really hard work,” said MacDowall after the race. ” I thought I’d settle for second, but I had to defend hard from Yvan.

“it wasn’t easy at all and he was really putting the pressure on.

“It’s great to be back on the main podium, that’s where we always want to be, and fantastic to get another Independents win.”