WTCC Argentina: Lopez takes WTCC lead to home round

he 2014 World Touring Car Championship resumes with Jose Maria Lopez taking a 44 point advantage to his home round at the Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo, scene of his eye-catching series debut last season. Recruited by the privateer Weichers-Sport team to drive its BMW on his home soil, Lopez – who had been racing in the national TC2000 series up to that point – went on to cause a stir by taking the unfancied 320si to victory in the second race of the weekend.

It was a result that successfully caught the attention of WTCC newcomers Citroen, who subsequently signed him for their maiden campaign in 2014. Since then, Lopez has adapted to the rigours of WTCC racing with aplomb and though his C-Elysee has established itself as the evident car to beat, the Argentinian is still out-performing multiple title-winning team-mate Yvan Muller.

Heading to his home round of Argentina, Lopez is looking forward to racing on home soil as he looks to extend his comfortable overall advantage heading into the overseas leg of the season

“When I used to race in Argentina, I would compete in as many as 44 meetings a season. So I couldn’t wait to get back in my C-Elysée WTCC again!

“Unlike most of the European circuits, I know the Termas track very well, and I have always done well here. That said, I think it will be close with Yvan and Seb again. We’re going to have to fight hard, as we have in every race this season.”

Original source: Crash.net