Thed Björk closes in on points lead despite missed win

Thed Björk claimed the lead at the start of the first FIA TCR World Tour race of the weekend at Zhuzhou International Circuit, but lost two places to title rivals Mikel Azcona and Esteban Guerrieri to finish third.

The Swede has nonetheless closed in on points leader Norbert Michelisz and climbed up to second place overall, just 15 points behind.

“I just could not match the pace of Mikel and Esteban when the rain increased, so hats off to them. We could have scored better today but the main thing is that we have closed in on the championship lead,” said Björk.

The Lynk & Co Cyan Racing driver started second, having set an impressive qualifying time despite carrying the maximum of 40 kilos of compensation weight.

Björk got past his team-mate and pole sitter Santiago Urrutia during the first lap and led for the first part of the race.

But as the rain increased, the Swede was unable to respond to the attacks of Azcona and Guerrieri.

“It was such a tough race, driving on rain with slicks – one mistake and you are completely off,” said Björk.

“I tried as hard as I could, but could not challenge for the victory. Tomorrow will be really important as we have to fight up through the field and it’s again a question mark regarding the weather. But we have learned a lot from today that we will put into practice tomorrow.”

Björk will start ninth on the reversed grid for race two on Sunday while Guerrieri will start fifth, Michelisz sixth and Azcona seventh.