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Michelisz explains Macau WTCC crash

FIA World Touring Car Championship title chaser Norbert Michelisz said his crash in the Opening Race at WTCC JVCKENWOOD Race of Macau this afternoon has left him feeling like a volcano inside.

Although Michelisz was still credited with fifth place after the results were backdated a lap following the stoppage, the Hungarian's Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team Civic suffered extensive damage. And to make matters worse, Michelisz's team-mate Esteban Guerrieri was unable to avoid crashing in to the wreckage, while Tom Chilton and Rob Huff were also caught up in the incident with their cars in need of considerable repair.

"I started eighth and I was classified fifth on a track where overtaking is tough, so really it's an okay result," said Michelisz. "The circumstances are quite frustrating though. I made a mistake, crashed and blocked the track and unfortunately the next car was Esteban, who also had some damage. I always stay a little bit away from the apex at that corner because it's dusty, but this time I was just too close to the barrier on the inside, clipped it, broke the steering and went into the wall. I've scored the same points I would have done otherwise, so it's okay. As long as the car is repairable, I will make up for it tomorrow. I'm usually smiling but from the inside it's like a volcano now."

Michelisz will start Sunday's Main Race second in the standings, 16.5 points behind Polestar Cyan Racing's Thed Björk, who finished fourth.

Zdroj: fiawtcc.com