“One of the best victories” moves Esteban Guerrieri top of the standings

Esteban Guerrieri said that his victory in the opening World Touring Car Cup race of the weekend at Suzuka had been “one of the best” after the Münnich Motorsport driver moved into the championship lead.

Guerrieri had inherited pole after Tiago Monteiro was one of a number of drivers to be handed penalties after practice and qualifying, and led the majority of the race from the front – slipping behind the Audi of Niels Langeveld at the start before reclaiming the position when the Dutch driver ran wide out of the final corner.

With Norbert Michelisz only able to finish 13th, Guerrieri moved ahead of the Hyundai driver into the points lead and he was left delighted by a victory at Honda’s home circuit.

“It is one of my best victories I’ve ever had,” he said. “It is important for many reasons and thank you to everyone involved in this project.

“I expected the Audis to be quick on the straight, but not to arrive at the first corner side by side with me. Vervisch made a very risky move on the outside and I tried to defend going side by side into turn two and we touched wheels. Langeveld came on the inside and we went side-by-side but there was no need for me to risk too much, so he moved to the front.

“Unfortunately for him, he made a mistake and I got back in the lead, and I knew I could control the pace. Winning here in Japan is very special as a Honda driver sharing the podium with a very experienced and a very loved driver by Honda in Tiago [Monteiro]. For the championship it’s very important, so I am very thankful.”