Münnich planned team orders, Thompson would have given away win

James Thompson handed second place to team-mate Yann Ehrlacher on the final lap of Race 2 at Zandvoort to aid the Frenchman’s title fight, with Thompson saying he’d have handed the spot even if it was for a victory.

Thompson’s podium is his first since Imola in 2008 in World Touring Cars, and his first in any motorsport since Gothenburg 2011 in the Volvo Polestar Racing C30 in the STCC. The Briton was all set for second position before he relinquished second position on the final lap, confirming it was his suggestion given his part-time commitment.

“I said to the team beforehand I’m not here for the full year, so there’s no point me taking points away from the other guys,” said Thompson to TouringCarTimes.

“I’d hate to think come the end of the season Yann or Esteban (Guerrieri) lost out I’d feel bad, so I was very happy to assist. I would have given the position if I was leading.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the podium, so I’m just very pleased to be here; I pushed as hard as I could without taking crazy risks.”

Ehrlacher, who is now just one point behind YMR Hyundai driver Yvan Muller in the championship, thanked his team-mate for the move.

“James let me go through to score points for the championship, so I’m very thankful for that,” he said. “We knew before the race that was the plan.”