Huff wins twice ahead of Muller, lead extended in both championships
The Chevrolet Cruzes swept the floor in Monza, taking a double 1-2 win at the legendary Italian circuit. Rob Huff won both races, becoming only the third driver to achieve winning both races at one event in the WTCC’s history. The double win extends his lead in the Drivers’ provisional standings, where he precedes team mates Yvan Muller, today second in both races, and Alain Menu, who had a mixed weekend due to contact in Race 1 and fought back to a brilliant 5th position in Race 2 from starting at the back of the grid.
The results show the level of competitiveness achieved by the Cruze 1.6 turbo andallows Chevrolet to be a solid leader in the Manufacturers’ standings. As the blue cars areahead, the Chevy drivers put on a good show, fighting for victory among them but alwayskeeping the brand’s and RML’s interests at the top of their priorities.
• QUOTES
Rob Huff (1st / 1st): “I am of course elated with today’s results. It’s fantastic to win both racesand to build such a strong lead in the championship. I will now be able to concentrate ontaking valuable points at every race. I was already happy after Race 1, we had a good fightwith Alain, and even had contact at Ascari, but I was eventually able to keep the lead andwin. In Race 2, I had a good start, passing Monteiro, even if he braked a bit late for the firstchicane. Afterwards, Yvan was quick through Ascari and able to use the tow to come back,so it was not easy to stay in front. At one point, because I was a little bit on the dirty side ofthe track, I had to brake early and Yvan touched me unintentionally, letting me in first positionafter that.”
Yvan Muller (2nd / 2nd): “In Race 1, Alain was able to pass me and to fight with Rob. One lapfrom the finish, Alain came out a little bit slower from one corner and as he closed the dooron me, we unfortunately made contact. I'm sorry he went out on the gravel because of that.In Race 2, I did my best but Rob kept the inside line everywhere and it was impossible toovertake on the outside with the same car. We came to contact when he braked very earlyinto the Parabolica, I was really surprised! I'm not happy with second place but it's OK forChevrolet in the championship! I'll keep fighting in the next races and shall see how thesituation develops.”
Alain Menu (Ret / 5th): “In Race 1, I was able to overtake Yvan and battle for the lead withRob. It was a good fight! Unfortunately, I locked my front wheels once and touched him at therear but no drama. It was a pity that Yvan made contact with me in the lap before last when Iclosed the door on him. I know it was not intentional but I was the one who paid the price...Starting from the back in race 2, I knew there was little hope. I had a great race and couldfinish 5th, which means valuable points even if I'm not very satisfied with my overall scorethis weekend, but the season is long and everything is still possible.”
Eric Nève: “Another great team result with a double 1-2 in both races! It's a dream for bothChevrolet and also for Rob. Our car is the most competitive at this stage but the competitionwill also have access to turbo power in the near future so we have to stay focused. From thesporting point of view, both races were very stressful, but we have decided to let our driversgo for it, without any team orders. It's great for the show and we are happy with the solidleadership in the Manufacturers’ standings.”
MONZA RACE 1 RESULT1. R Huff Chevrolet Cruze 9 laps in 18m07s3982. Y Muller Chevrolet Cruze + 1s2913. T Monteiro SEAT León TDI + 4s2394. N Michelisz BMW 320 TDI + 4s2695. T Coronel BMW 320 TD + 4s4999. D O’Young Chevrolet Cruze +10s506Ret. A Menu Chevrolet Cruze 7 laps (accident)
MONZA RACE 2 RESULT1. R Huff Chevrolet Cruze 9 laps in 18m10s0322. Y Muller Chevrolet Cruze + 0s2423. M Poulsen BMW 320 TD + 3s5594. T Monteiro SEAT León TDI + 6s2115. A Menu Chevrolet Cruze + 8s8966. D O’Young Chevrolet Cruze +10s089
DRIVERS POINTS STANDINGS AFTER RACE 6 OF 24:1. R Huff (Chevrolet), 120 points; 2. Y Muller (Chevrolet), 84; 3. A Menu (Chevrolet), 79; 4. TMonteiro (SEAT), 58; 5. G Tarquini (SEAT), 52; etc.
MANUFACTURERS POINTS STANDINGS AFTER RACE 6 OF 24:1. Chevrolet, 242 points; 2. SEAT, 150; 3. BMW, 132; 4. Volvo, 40.
NEXT RACE: Round 4, Race of Hungary, Hungaroring Budapest, 3-5 June 2011.
