Photo: WTCR Media

Yvan Muller and Gabriele Tarquini tied for title lead going into Japan day two

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Former WTCC drivers’ champions and long-term rivals Yvan Muller and Gabriele Tarquini are back tied in the lead of the championship heading into the second day of racing at Suzuka, but Muller says he knows it’ll turn back into the Italian’s favour tomorrow.

Muller started and finished the first race of the weekend third in his YMR Hyundai i30 N TCR, despite pressuring the Peugeot 308TCR of Aurélien Comte throughout the race.

Muller however starts both of tomorrow’s races from 12th on the grid after an incident with Münnich Honda driver Esteban Guerrieri in the second qualifying session yesterday, while title rival Tarquini will start Race 2 from ninth and Race 3 from second.

“It’s a good result because Gabriele is behind and I’ve take some points on him, but the problem will be tomorrow,” said Muller.

“Qualifying didn’t go as well as I wanted, although the car was very good. Anything can happen. There are still two races tomorrow, for sure Gabriele will try to take some points, so could leave this meeting 20 points ahead probably, but Macau is Macau…”