Yvan Muller has extended his advantage in the 2013 World Touring Car Championship drivers’ Championship after he secured his third victory of the season in Hungary.
Having secured his second Pole Position of the season in qualifying, the triple Champion secured an untroubled light to flag victory despite coming under pressure from the Honda of Norbert Michelisz in the closing laps. The victory marking the 33rd time the Frenchman has crossed the line first in a WTCC race.
He backed up his race one victory with a fifth place finish in the second race – having just survived the opening lap accident which saw former SEAT team-mate Gabriele Tarquini have a heavy off into the barrier.
“That was a good weekend for us,” Muller said, having seen him Championship advantage extended to 46 points. “Pole was important here to get the win in the first race. I got a good start and pushed hard through mid race before having to manage my tyres and look after them. Race two was important for us to take more points for the championship, so for that, and the consistency, I am pleased to take 5th.”
Team-mate Tom Chilton brought home the #23 RML Chevrolet Cruze 7th overall in both races, meaning he is just a point off the Championship top three.
The British racer spent both races scrapping with the ROAL Motorsport BMW 320TC of Tom Coronel and the Dutchman came out on top in both races.
“I came to Hungary with a plan to work hard on Sunday’s race performance and grab points in both races, which I have done,” said Chilton. “I also aimed to take 3rd in the championship, which I achieved after race one, but I sadly lost out by a point after race 2 due to Huff’s win.
“I’m looking forward to a big fight in Salzburgring now and as I learn the car more each day I am in it, I know I am making good progress,” he concluded.