WTCC Macao – Macau
Yvan Muller was proclaimed World Tour Car Champion driver today in Macao. The Repsol driver has won three races and finished on the podium five times this season, culminating in his first ever title at world level. The Repsol drivers had a great end to the 2008 season, adding to the constructors` title that they wrapped up in Japan three weeks ago. The World Champion driver is Yvan Muller and the runner-up Gabriele Tarquini.
The urban circuit of Macao was the setting for the final round of the season and in the first race Muller was third, with Jordi Gené and Gabriele Tarquini in sixth and seventh positions, respectively. The second race was chock full of incidents, these eliminated Jordi Gené first, and then Gabriele Tarquini when the victory was within his grasp. Yvan Muller ended the year on the second step of the podium, with Rickard Rydell in fourth place after starting from the back of the grid.
Yvan Muller
“One year afterwards I have been able to win the world title in Macao. The defeats you remember for a long time but the victories are more easily forgotten. However, I think I will remember this day. To win the Championship you have to be a consistent driver but at the same time you have to have the backing that gives you a chance of fighting for the title. I want to thank the whole team because we have worked well together always, collaborating at a really high level and always progressing. That is what let us win”.
Gabriele Tarquini
“I had little chance of winning the world title because I came here a bit too far behind in the overall classification compared to Yvan Muller. However, I fought right to the end against a great rival and a magnificent teammate who has had a fantastic season”.
