Photo: Citroën Racing

José María López philosophical despite career-worst weekend in the WTCC

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José María López managed to extend his lead in the standings in a tough weekend for Citroën in Russia, albeit only slightly over the privateer Citroën of Mehdi Bennani, who is now tied for second with López’s new threat, the fast charging Lada of Nicky Catsburg who took a double podium in Lada’s home race.

The Argentinian’s weekend was the worst in terms of points in his WTCC career, taking just 14 points away from the Moscow Raceway where he also missed the top five shootout in qualifying.

“These two races were really tough,” said López. “The grip deteriorated lap after lap and I wasn’t able to hold our rivals at bay. These things happen. We just need to understand why. At the same time, it has not been a bad weekend, as I have widened the gap at the top of the World Championship.”

Catsburg was unaware of his sudden change in the championship standings after Russia, leaping from eighth to joint-second, and took delight when confronted with the news after the race.

“Really? I didn’t know that but that’s a nice surprise,” said Catsburg. “It’s great news, I don’t know how we did that. I guess it has something to do with the Hondas losing some points but maybe I can fight for the championship now.”

Honda’s Tiago Monteiro, who was second in the standings before the team’s exclusion from Morocco was confirmed ahead of the weekend keeps himself in the frame and is fourth in the championship, six points behind Bennani and Catsburg, but believes an opportunity to win got away from them due to the weather.

“This weekend was a missed opportunity for us,” said Monteiro. “After going fastest in the dry in FP0 and in the damp in FP2, we knew we were strong in almost all conditions. Unfortunately qualifying was very wet and we just couldn’t find the speed we needed.

“Still, from pole position on the reversed grid, I was still confident we could get a victory in the opening race right until the rain came down in a big way on the formation lap. In the very wet conditions it felt like driving on ice. Sixth wasn’t too bad given the struggles, but I’m sure it could have been victory if it had been dry.”