WTCR race of japan: Michelisz wins Race 2

SUZUKA, Oct 27 -- Hungarian driver Norbert Michelisz took back the points lead with victory in a reverse-grid Race 2 of the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) Race of Japan at the Suzuka Circuit, today.

Michelisz who drove for BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse started from the DHL Pole Position and aggressively defended his lead from fellow front row starter Rob Huff off the line, then led the SLR VW Motorsport driver for the rest of the 24 laps around the 2.243km East Course circuit.

The 57-year-old Gabriele Tarquini who also on the BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse took the final podium position.

“The race was very difficult. I tried to build a gap in the beginning and saw Rob falling back. But he has a great approach, saved his tyres and came back at me. That was 24 qualifying laps for me, I was on the limit.

“The only approach is to go flat out and I’m very happy with my performance. Points are important when I can take them,” said Michelisz which will start from P10 for the Race 3.

For Qualfying Two, 12 drivers on track for 10 minutes (15 at street tracks) and at completion of the session, the driver in P10 would take the Pole Position for Race 2, followed by the driver in P9 starts second, driver in P8 third, etc down to P10. 

The fastest five progress to Qualifying 3 (Q3) which the running order for the Q3 phase was adjusted with the driver setting the fastest time in Q2 choosing their starting order in the five-car Q3 shootout first followed by the second fastest driver and so on.

Race 3 of the Race of Japan takes place at 11.30am local time (10.30am Malaysian time).

-- BERNAMA