José María López might be 74 points to the good in his quest for back-­‐to-­‐back FIA World Touring Car Championship crowns, but his rivals aren’t about to let the Argentine start his title celebrations early when the Shanghai International Circuit hosts ROSNEFT WTCC Race of China (25-­‐27 September).

With Honda driver Tiago Monteiro scoring a dominant victory and Rob Huff bagging a standout podium for LADA in the second of two WTCC races in Japan recently, the prospects are strong for two action-­‐ packed races and a Shanghai surprise or two. And with local hero Ma Qing Hua firmly in the mix for success at a track known for its overtaking opportunities, a thrilling weekend of touring car racing is in store. Shanghai-­‐based  Ma partners  López in the Citroën  Total WTCC line-­‐up  and became  the first Chinese to win an FIA world championship motor race when he triumphed in Russia last season.

And Ma, who was also victorious when the WTCC visited Portugal in the summer, knows that two good results  on home  soil  will  boost  his chances  of a top-­‐four  championship  finish,  while  also  helping Citroën secure the 58 points it needs to take the WTCC Manufacturers’  Championship for a second time. Ma finished second to López in the opening race at Shanghai in 2014 and would relish going one better this year.

However, fourth place for Ma in the final standings is far from clear-­‐cut  with Japan race one polesitter Norbert Michelisz and fellow Honda drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Monteiro all in hot pursuit. In the battle for overall title honours,  only Yvan Muller and Sébastien  Loeb can now prevent  López  from  securing  a  second  successive  WTCC  accolade,  but  both  French  drivers  need points. And fast. Muller struggled  to achieve top form in Japan and non-­‐scored  in race two.

Loeb faired slightly better and can take heart from the fact he beat López in a straight fight in Argentina and France earlier this season.

Lap distance: 4.603km

Race distance:  2 x 14 laps / 64.442km

Location: 29/F Jiushi Towers, 28 Zhongshanng Road (South), 200010 Shanghai, China

Press officer: Yachne Cen, cenyuanyuan@ctcc.com.cn,  +862164361360,

Airports: Shanghai Pudong, 77km. Shanghai Hongqiao, 27km.

Lap records:      

Qualifying: José María López (Citroën C-­‐Elysée), 1m48.782s (152.33kph), 11/10/14

Race: Ma Qing Hua (Citroën C-­‐Elysée), 1m50.833s (149.511kph), 12/10/14

WTCC RACE OF CHINA ROLL OF HONOUR

*WTCC Race of China-­‐Beijing at Goldenport Park Circuit replaced WTCC Race of USA in 2014

DID YOU KNOW?

6 November  2011 – The first WTCC Race of China takes place at Tianma Circuit in Shanghai. Alain Menu and Yvan Muller share the wins for Chevrolet.

5  October  2011  –  Slotted  into  the  schedule  as  a  late  replacement  for  WTCC  Race  of  USA,  the Goldenport Park Circuit in Beijing proves a happy hunting ground for LADA with Rob Huff claiming the marque’s maiden WTCC victory in race two.

12 October 2014 – Mehdi Bennani makes history by becoming the first Arabic driver to win an FIA world championship motor race when he triumphs in the second race at Suzuka.

WTCC TIMETABLE Thursday 24 September

14.00-­‐15.00: Pre-­‐event press conference, Ruijin Intercontinental Shanghai Hotel

Friday 25 September

08.00-­‐20.00: Media Centre open

12.00-­‐18.00: Collection of Media Accreditation available from the Media Centre

11.40-­‐12.10: WTCC Testing

17.30-­‐18.30: WTCC Happy Hour (WTCC VIP Lounge)

Saturday 26 September

08.00-­‐14.00: Media Accreditation Centre open

08.00-­‐20.00: Media Centre open

08.30-­‐09.00: WTCC Free Practice 1

11.10-­‐11.40: WTCC Free Practice 2

14.30-­‐14.50: WTCC Qualifying Q1