
News Archive »Andy Priaulx claimed victory on a soaking Okayama track from fellow BMW driver Jörg Müller and Chevrolet’s Robert Huff.
Heavy rain before the race meant the field started behind the safety car. On lap three the safety car came into the pits and Tarquini lead the field. However after a few corners the Italian went wide. This left Priaulx to lead the rest of the way, despite being under severe pressure from Müller, especially on the final couple of laps. Tarquini’s mistake was not catastrophic as he managed to claw back positions to take fifth place behind team-mate and title rival Yvan Muller. Monteiro crossed the line seventh.
In exactly the same corner as Tarquini, Farfus also went off, losing his position. However, after a fight and a clash with Menu, he claimed a crucial eighth place to remain in contention for the champion’s crown.
Tom Coronel drove a solid race to come home the Independent victor with Porteiro second and Japanese driver Seiji Ara third.
Man of the race
In past seasons wins have come a lot easier to Andy Priaulx than they have this year. Despite this he and his team had battled hard and today they achieved their second win of the season. Müller had the pace over Priaulx at the end of the race and challenged hard but the former champion kept his car steady and his concentration strong.
Key moment
In the battle for eighth place between Menu and Farfus it was do-or-die for the Brazilian to stand a chance to remain in the title fight. On the penultimate lap the pair entered a corner side by side with Farfus on the inside touching Menu’s Chevrolet. Menu went wide and Farfus went through to claim a point and the Race 2 pole. But their collision is currently under investigation
Withdrawals
S. Hernández: race incident; F. Engstler: broken bolt in rear wheel.














