Sydney chaos brings four drivers within 11 points of title fight

The chaotic first TCR World Tour race at Sydney Motorsport Park has brought four drivers within 11 points of the title fight.

Norbert Michelisz is now tied on 282 points with main rival Yann Ehrlacher who finished a disappointed sixth, having fought his way from 13th to finish third – only to be hit with a post race penalty of five seconds for weaving behind the safety car.

“It was a great recovery from 13th to third and we had a strong pace in the wet,” said Ehrlacher.

“It was good until we got the penalty for an infringement during the safety car. But I mean, sixth from 13th isn’t bad. But it’s of course mixed feelings to lose a podium finish.”

While Michelisz had a tough race to finish eighth, BRC Hyundai team-mate Mikel Azcona’s second place finish has brought him to just six points from the lead.

“It was a challenging race. At the beginning the car was quite competitive and I was able to move up to P3 and then P2,” said Azcona.

“I was comfortable behind Brown. He was pretty fast, and I was happy to stay second. Then the rain intensified and there was a crazy moment as I nearly followed Brown when he went onto the grass. Luckily, I stayed on the track, but there was the red flag, and positions were restored as they were. The second place is a great result for the title fight.”

But it should be noted that the current result and points are provisional due to ongoing investigations, including Azcona for weaving behind the safety car as well, an investigation which will be continued tomorrow.

Rob Huff finished fourth in the race and is placed fourth overall, 11 points from the lead.