WTCC: Lopez to start race one from the back

Jose Maria Lopez will start the opening World Touring Car Championship race in Argentina from the back of the grid after his Citroen team opted to change his engine.

Argentinian Lopez secured pole for Sunday's main race at Termas de Rio Hondo after compatriot and debutant Esteban Guerrieri exited the pits under a red light during Saturday's pole position shootout session, and as a result Lopez was due to start the reversed-grid opening race from 10th.

But his Citroen team confirmed on Sunday afternoon it had changed the engine in his C-Elysee overnight, which resulted in his car being sent to the back of the grid.

The penalty does not affect Lopez's main race pole, as it relates only to the race immediately after a change.

Originally on Autosport.com