WTCC 2010 - Portimão, Portugal, race report

05 Jul 10

In the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), SEAT Customers Technology drivers Tiago Monteiro and Gabriele Tarquini claimed victories in two thrilling races at Portimão, Portugal, on 2-4 July 2010.

In race one, local driver Monteiro ended the three former champions’ lock on race wins this season, as he claimed his first victory since his home country triumph two years ago. The former-Formula One driver started the race from pole but had to fight all the way to the chequered flag as Chevrolet’s Yvan Muller and reigning champion Gabriele Tarquini kept Monteiro under tight pressure, and spectators on the edge of their seats, all the way through the 11-lap race. Championship frontrunners Muller and Tarquini finished in second and third respectively.

In race two, Rookie Trophy contenders Fredy Barth and Norbert Michelisz started the race from the front row. Michelisz pulled away in the lead but could not hold onto it for long as a water pressure problem forced him to retire on lap three. Alain Menu was able to capitalise, but his lead was
short-lived: Tarquini got past the Swiss on lap three and immediately started building a gap to claim his fourth victory of the season. Muller finished in second again, while Rob Huff crossed the finish line third but was penalised after the race, prompting Menu to third place. Menu rounded out the top three.

Muller’s consistent performances over the weekend allowed him to hold on to the lead in the Drivers’ World Championship, while SEAT closed the gap to Manufacturers' Championship leader Chevrolet to only five points. The next rounds of the WTCC will take place at Brands Hatch, UK, on 18 July 2010.