With Honda driver Tiago Monteiro scoring a dominant victory and Rob Huff bagging a standout podium for LADA in the second of two WTCC races in Japan recently, the prospects are strong for two action-‐ packed races and a Shanghai surprise or two. And with local hero Ma Qing Hua firmly in the mix for success at a track known for its overtaking opportunities, a thrilling weekend of touring car racing is in store. Shanghai-‐based Ma partners López in the Citroën Total WTCC line-‐up and became the first Chinese to win an FIA world championship motor race when he triumphed in Russia last season.
And Ma, who was also victorious when the WTCC visited Portugal in the summer, knows that two good results on home soil will boost his chances of a top-‐four championship finish, while also helping Citroën secure the 58 points it needs to take the WTCC Manufacturers’ Championship for a second time. Ma finished second to López in the opening race at Shanghai in 2014 and would relish going one better this year.
However, fourth place for Ma in the final standings is far from clear-‐cut with Japan race one polesitter Norbert Michelisz and fellow Honda drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Monteiro all in hot pursuit. In the battle for overall title honours, only Yvan Muller and Sébastien Loeb can now prevent López from securing a second successive WTCC accolade, but both French drivers need points. And fast. Muller struggled to achieve top form in Japan and non-‐scored in race two.
Loeb faired slightly better and can take heart from the fact he beat López in a straight fight in Argentina and France earlier this season.