Max Hart claims maiden TCR China win in Macau finale
Z.Speed driver Max Hart prevailed in the last TCR China race of the season in Macau to claim his maiden TCR China victory in a safety car interrupted race, which saw Martin Cao crowned champion despite a retirement.
Hart made a strong start from pole to claim the lead ahead of Honda driver Martin Xie who made an even stronger start from fourth on the grid to claim second.
A tough fight developed behind for third place, culminating on the second lap as Hyundai N team driver Martin Cao threw his car on the inside of Yang Xiao Wei (Hyundai) and André Couto (Honda) at Lisboa.
The incident also saw title contender Jack Young locking up his brakes to avoid the stricken cars and hit the tyre barriers. The Dongfeng Honda driver was able to reverse back out and rejoin the race in tenth position.
Martin Cao, André Couto and Yang Xiao Wei retired from the race following the damage sustained in the incident.
While this incident did not require a safety car session, another incident with four laps left at Lisboa between Lynk & Co driver Aaron Kwok and Norris Racing Honda driver Chan Chun Leung did however force the safety car on track.
Aaron Kwok went on the inside of Chan Chun Leung and collected the Honda driver on the exit of the corner, resulting in a retirement for both.
The race resumed with one lap left, seeing another incident, this time between Jack Young and David Zhu in the mountain section, both retired.
Max Hart won the race 1.2 seconds ahead of Martin Xie while Yan Xiao Wei rounded off the top three. Zhang Zhen Dong and Andy Yan rounded off the top five.
