WTCC champion Lopez seeks points in season finale

Some world champions may take things easy. That can't be said of Jose Maria Lopez, the reigning FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) winner.
The 33-year-old Argentine goes into the final round of the WTCC in Qatar tomorrow knowing he has sealed the world title with points to spare. 
"I would like to finish with points. I want to look back at the fantastic three years," Lopez, with a table-leading tally of 361 points, said yesterday. 
"The time I spent with them (Citroen Racing) gave me good memories," he added with a smile when asked about his future status.
Lopez said he seeks to compete with the world's best at all times.
"You always try to do best with your team," Lopez said. "Sometimes it depends on the performance on the car. I have the chance to be get points. It's the last race for me and my team this season. This time the balance is different. We will try to do better in qualifying. We have good tyres. It won't be different than any other race," he said. 
"I mean you feel it's different (this week). There's a lot of things on the mind. I know for sure a lot of people will see a good race," Lopez said. "I am trying to enjoy myself," he said. 
When asked about his future with any other team, Lopez said: "I can't confirm anything. I still have a contract wit Citroen. At the moment I can't confirm anything."
Tiago Monteiro, who drives for Castrol Honda WTC Team, said he will be competitive this week
"There are lot of points to catch. It's not easy. You can lose from this situation considering the level of performance. I will do my best. I need some balance on my side. I want to finish on a good note. I want to win another race. Our objective is to be strong. Hopefully we finish on top," the 40-year-old Portuguese said.
Moroccan star Mehdi Bennani, who drives for Sebastian Loeb Racing, yesterday said he 'feels at home' competing at the state-of-the-art Losail International Circuit (LIC). 
"It's like my second country. There is pressure for sure," Bennani said. 
"I want to do my best for my Arab fans. The trophy is in our pocket but racing is racing. We want another trophy. We will push for maximum. I hope to give my fans with a podium finish," the 33-year-old added.
When asked about his future, the Morrocan said: "I really don't know. I think WTCC winners have the opportunity to drive with factory teams. I still don't know what will happen but my aim is to stay in WTCC. It feels like a nice championship. We have live coverage back home."
Robert Dahlgren, who drives for Polestar Cyan Racing, said: "It's great to be back. Great events all the time. There are strong teams and drivers. This is the place I want to be. It is a bit a tough track to show your performance. I will try to stay forward." 
Gabriele Tarquini of LADA Sport Rosneft said: "I have raced in Italy and in England. But in Qatar it is fantastic. The difference is there for everybody to see. The lights are great. You don't feel the difference. Driving is close to normal light."