Action photo of one the WTCC races earlier this year.
José López has described Yvan Muller as his best team-mate ahead of the FIA World Touring Car Championship season closer in Qatar this week
Argentine López and Frenchman Muller have been part of the factory Citroen line-up since 2014, finishing first and second in the final order respectively during that period.
“Being a team-mate of Yvan has been a privilege for sure,” said López.
“It’s been hard moments but I think I probably will remember my best experience, my best team-mate because I had some good times. But when I was winning and my team-mates were not this was difficult especially when you think of a guy like Yvan who has won everything in the WTCC. But he was always a good guy with me, a very good team-mate. I respect him and I will miss him.”
Citroen is pinning its hopes of Manufacturers Against the Clock success at FIA WTCC DHL Race of Qatar on Sébastien Loeb Racing’s privateer trio of Mehdi Bennani, Tom Chilton and Grégoire Demoustier.
While the French make has called up one SLR driver for every WTCC MAC3 contest run so far in 2016, this will be the first time that it has not enlisted its two factory drivers, José López and Yvan Muller, to fight for Manufacturers’ championship points in the Tour de France-inspired competition, relying instead on an all-SLR attack at the Losail International Circuit on Friday. A statement from Citroen read.
“Citroen Racing will thank the SLR drivers who have helped them secure the Manufacturers’ title by including them all in their time trial line-up. That means Mehdi Bennani, Tom Chilton and Grégoire Demoustier will be the men on track, cheered on from the sidelines by José López and Yvan Muller.”
Citroen has four outright WTCC MAC3 wins compared to the five claimed by Honda. They tied on time at WTCC Race of Slovakia earlier in the season.
Tarquini vows to race strong for LADA in the WTCC
Gabriele Tarquini will do all he can to give LADA the perfect send off from the FIA World Touring Car Championship when the 2016 season reaches its climax at WTCC DHL Race of Qatar on Friday night.
The Russian make is focusing its motorsport activities on domestic competition next year, a move that has left Tarquini and team-mates Nicky Catsburg and Hugo Valente in search of alternative rides for 2017. Despite his future job prospects being unclear, Tarquini wants LADA to enjoy a successful WTCC farewell in the Middle East.
“I want to give LADA the best position possible for the last race and it’s really important to do this,” said Tarquini, WTCC champion in 2009.
Of his hopes of continuing his WTCC adventure for a 13th season, ex-Formula One racer Tarquini is drawing on previous experience in order to remain positive.
“I am really worried because there are few seats left,” said the Italian. But last year I was without a seat at the very end of the season. It was almost closed then I had this chance to be with LADA so I never say never. I would like to drive a WTCC car again. I love the WTCC, it’s part of my life.”
