Stefano Comini
Swiss driver Stefano Comini has been crowned the first-ever TCR International Series champion after putting on an impressive performance throughout the weekend in Macau.
He had arrived at the Guia circuit with a mere two-point advantage over Pepe Oriola, and with the great handicap of having never raced on this particular track.
Comini managed to stay ahead of the Spaniard in both races, achieving precious advantage points and a growing psychological gain. The duel between the two was particularly fierce in Race 2, ending only when the Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver Oriola retired with a pierced radiator, which occurred after he came into contact with the back of Comini while braking into the Lisboa bend.
With Oriola withdrawing, Comini could finally breathe, and he rounded things out with a superb maiden win at Macau. In his sixth win of the season, Comini crossed the line ahead of teammate Andrea Belicchi, a 1-2 finish that allowed Target Competition to claim the Teams’ title as well.
The podium was completed with Mikhail Grachev of Liqui Moly Team Engstler taking third place in Race 2, his second podium finish of the season.
Another history-marker was Rob Huff, who took pole position and won Race 1 – his eighth personal victory on the Guia circuit. Jordi Gené and Comini completed the Race 1 podium.
Macau’s tradition of early-race crashes was also respected, with both races seeing spectacular first-
lap crashes triggering red flags.
As for Macau racer Rodolfo Ávila, he finished in 12th place in Race 1 and fifth in Race 2. This form comes after he obtained two straight victories in the TCR Asia Series. Hence, the teams title went to its Asia Racing Team.
Stefano Comini, the winner of Race 2 and TCR champion, said: “I have no words, it’s a very special moment for me, winning at Macau and clinching the first TCR title… What can I say? Unbelievable… Both races were very tough. I knew that [coming] second in Race 2 was enough for me to claim the title, but I really wanted to win at Macau, and when I saw that Huff was out of the race at the start, I really thought I should have a go.” RM
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