Yann Ehrlacher claims WTCR points lead after strong first Zolder qualifying
Yann Ehrlacher has claimed the FIA World Touring Car Cup points lead after a strong and very close first qualifying session of the 2020 season at Zolder in Belgium, missing pole position by 31 thousands of a second.
The Lynk & Co Cyan Racing driver was fastest in Q1 and second fastest in Q3, meaning a total of nine points and the lead of the drivers' standings.
"A good first qualifying of 2020, but it was frustrating to end up just three hundredths from pole. I made a mistake that cost me one and a half tenth on my last lap. But we have the race tomorrow to come back and I am going for victory," said Yann Ehrlacher.
WTCR newcomer Santiago Urrutia impressed on debut by being second fastest in the second qualifying session and fourth fastest in the final qualifying session.
"I was happy about qualifying until we got to Q3 when I made a mistake. But I am happy for the team, we showed that we have the pace. It is a good start to the season, it is a good start for me in the WTCR with a very tough field. I am just very happy and there is more to come tomorrow," said Santiago Urrutia.
Quadruple world champion Yvan Muller was in the very top of all qualifying sessions but made a mistake on his Q3 lap to finish fifth.
"I was able to get into Q3, unfortunately I got a big oversteer in the first corner and I lost more than half a second. I don't think I was capable to claim pole position, but at least the first row was in my hands. It was my mistake," said Yvan Muller.
Thed Björk was second fastest in the first qualifying session and finished eighth in the second qualifying session, meaning that he was eliminated from taking part in Q3. But eighth meant that he secured third position for the Race 1 reversed grid.
"I was on fire in the first qualifying session, putting a solid lap time with second place as a result. Then in Q2 I had a super big oversteer in turn eight, I was sliding it like a rally car. But eighth means a good starting position for the first race. Overall a good start to the weekend," said Thed Björk.
The first and final qualifying sessions, Q1 and Q3, award points (5-4-3-2-1), meaning that Yann Ehrlacher heads the standings on nine points ahead of the two races tomorrow.
The first race starts at 10:30 CEST and the second race at 14:15, both races are broadcast live on Eurosport: www.eurosportplayer.com
Results Q1
Results Q2
Results Q3
Standings - Drivers
1 Yann Ehrlacher 9 points
2 Gilles Magnus 6 (-3)
3 Nathanaël Berthon 5 (-4)
4 Thed Björk 4 (-5)
5 Yvan Muller 3 (-6)
6 Santiago Urrutia 2 (-7)
7 Tom Coronel 1 (-8)
Standings - Teams
1 Cyan Racing Lynk & Co 12 points
2 Comtoyou DHL Team Audi Sport 6 (-6)
3 Cyan Performance Lynk & Co 6 (-6)
Media contact information
Johan Meissner
Press Manager
Cyan Racing
+46(0)70 241 3234
johan.meissner@cyanracing.com
About Cyan Racing
Cyan Racing was founded in 1996 and was formerly named Polestar until Volvo Cars acquired the performance section and trademark in 2015. Cyan Racing is privately owned and operated. The team has claimed the last three touring car World titles, most recently the 2019 WTCR team title with Lynk & Co – and participated in the development of the Polestar performance models of the Volvo S60 and V60 in the years 2013 to 2015, including the concept models Volvo C30 and S60 Polestar Concept Prototype.
About Lynk & Co
Lynk & Co is the new global urban mobility brand addressing the needs and preferences of the connected generation and challenging auto industry conventions. Its products are designed and engineered in Sweden and will be sold globally.