N.Technology showed relentless determination as the team battled on in difficult conditions for round three and four of the FIA World Touring Car Championship in Holland on Sunday.

Zandvoort’s sand-filled circuit provided plenty of on-track action for local fans and Dutchman Olivier Tielemans rewarded his supporters by making up three places in his Alfa Romeo 156 for race one and finishing a solid 16th.

Team-mate James Thompson’s bad luck continued on from yesterday when an incident with Tom Coronel cancelled the Brit’s excellent start. The 32-year-old had gained two places on lap one, improving his 12th place start up to 10th, but a clash with Coronel cancelled out Thompson’s efforts. The N.Technology driver finished the race in 13th position. 

Surrounded by beaches, the sandy track turned even trickier when mild rain started in time for today’s second race. Both Alfa Romeo drivers fought hard regardless and a 17th finish was the best Olivier Tielemans could achieve. Finishing in 19th place, James Thompson’s race was once again compromised after getting hit by another car.

Olivier Tielemans, car number 16

“I’m getting better all the time and the learning curve is pretty steep but I want to keep it that way. I made some mistakes this weekend which I will work on erasing as quickly as possible but for now I’m looking to the next round for an even better finish.”

James Thompson, car number 15

“I had a problem with my front suspension, which I could feel during the warm-up lap, so the team opted to start me from the pits and they did an amazing job to fix it so quickly. I managed to start the race but 19th was the best I could do after starting last. We have some changes coming before Valencia which should improve our performance so we can look forward to a stronger pace for next round.”

FIA WTCC Race 1 Results

1. Menu (SUI), Chevrolet Lacetti

2. Larini (ITA), Chevrolet Lacetti

3. Rangoni (ITA), BMW 320si

4. Monteiro (POR), SEAT Leon

5. Farfus (BRA), BMW 320si 

6. Colciago (ITA), SEAT Leon.

13. Thompson (GBR), Alfa Romeo 156

16. Tielemans (NED), Alfa Romeo 156

FIA WTCC Provisional Race 2 Results

1. Tarquini (ITA), SEAT Leon

2. Farfus (BRA), BMW 320si

3. J. Muller (GER), BMW 320si

4. Larini (ITA), Chevrolet Lacetti

5. Priaulx (GBR), BMW 320si

6. Rangoni (ITA), BMW 320si

17. Tielemans (NED), Alfa Romeo 156

19. Thompson (GBR), Alfa Romeo 156