WTCC: Lopez takes narrow Nordschleife race two win

Jose Maria Lopez made it back to back World Touring Car Championship wins at the Nurburgring Nordschleife with a narrow race two victory ahead of Honda's Norbert Michelisz.

Lopez had to come from behind after forfeiting his lead at the start, but always looked comfortable as he ensured he took maximum points from the meeting.

With both Yvan Muller – involved in a shunt with Tiago Monteiro in race 1 – and Tom Coronel absent from the race two grid, Michelisz was promoted to second alongside Lopez on the front row. The Hungarian made the most of that break and outdragged Lopez on the run to the first corner, blocking off the Argentinian's line through the exit.

Michelisz's lead was short-lived, however, as Lopez swept back ahead on the grand prix circuit loop with a fine move around the outside of the Honda man at the Schumacher Esses.

Lopez stretched his legs on the Nordschleife, crossing the line three seconds to the good at the end of the first lap, but after edging away again slightly on the second tour he lost a heap of time in the final sector, allowing Michelisz, Tom Chilton and teammate Rob Huff to close up behind. But Lopez held firm, ensuring he had enough of an advantage into the final sector to hang on to his lead as he crossed the line 0.435s clear.

Michelisz came home a similar margin ahead of Chilton, who like the Honda man claimed a second podium of the weekend, while Huff grabbed his second fourth-place finish of the day despite his best attempts to pass compatriot Chilton on the final lap.

Mehdi Bennani trailed Nicky Catsburg on the opening lap but repassed the Lada man to clinch fifth, finishing just half a second down on Huff.

Sportscar specialist Catsburg did finish best of the Lada Vestas in sixth, while Polestar pair Fredrik Ekblom and Thed Bjork both enjoyed eventful races on their way to seventh and eighth, with the latter battling his way past Gabriele Tarquini at Dottinger Hohe on the final lap.

Tarquini, who before the race spoke of taking a more cautious approach, headed Lada teammate Hugo Valente for the final points positions.

RACE 2 RESULT

Originally on Autosport.com