Citroën’s Yvan Muller believes that he owes it to himself to finish as the runner-up in this year’s World Touring Car Championship, as he heads to China this weekend for the penultimate round of the season.
The former champion is currently tied in second overall with Honda’s Tiago Monteiro, but he is seeking to break free of his rival this weekend and cement the runner-up spot behind provisional champion José María López.
Muller, who is the most successful driver in WTCC history, only took his first win of the season last time out in Japan – and even then his victory was a gift from team-mate López.
But the Frenchman was cautious about predicting more wins for himself, especially as the Citroën C-Elysée remains the heaviest car on the grid, with 80 kg of compensation weight on board.
“I owe it to myself to finish in second place in the World Championship, for Citroën and for the whole team,” said Muller. “In the past, I have gone through highs and lows in China and Qatar, but I still think we will do pretty well.
“We will have quite a fight on our hands, as our rivals have made huge progress this season. At the same time, our car is still the heaviest and we will have to keep a close eye on everyone, particularly the manufacturers with no ballast this weekend.
“I find Shanghai an interesting circuit. I like its speed, and its long straight is tailor-made for the Citroën C-Elysée WTCC.”
López’s title remains provisional, subject to the FIA World Motor Sport Council confirming the cancellation of the Thailand round. Even so, López can easily secure an unassailable advantage this weekend.