Citroën’s new World Touring Car Champion José María López says that winning his first title in Japan is “an amazing feeling” after he became the first Argentine world champion in an FIA series since Juan Manuel Fangio.
López wrapped up the title with one round to spare after team-mate Yvan Muller retired from race one as the Argnetine went on to win. There was little Muller could do however, as anything better than a single fourth-place finish would have been good enough for López to take the title at Suzuka.
Having scored his tenth WTCC win and taken his first title, an emotional López thanked all those who helped him to get to where he is now.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said an elated López. “As ever, the first thing that comes to mind is all the people I need to thank. Thank you to my family, to all those who helped me when things were at their hardest, and to Citroën for choosing me to drive one of their C-Elysées. Thanks, too, to all the engineers and mechanics. Not just the ones who look after my car, because we all work together.”
After taking the title in race one, López admits that it was special to have done so at such a revered venue as Suzuka.
“It’s really special to have won on one of Ayrton Senna’s favourite circuits,” added the 31-year-old. “He won two titles here and I am proud to have done the same. It’s also an honour to emulate Juan Manuel Fangio as an Argentinian World Champion. It’s thanks to him that our country is so mad about motorsport and I am proud to represent my nation in the FIA WTCC.”
Citroën Racing Team Principal Yves Matton paid tribute to López, adding that it is also his off-track character which makes him such a deserving champion.
“José María López is a great World Champion, for Citroën, for Argentina and for the FIA WTCC!,” said Matton. “We are happy and proud to have helped him win the title. He’s a guy who shines as much for his performances as for his human qualities.
“The Drivers’ title brings further success for our team, after winning the Manufacturers’ world championship two weeks ago. Over the past quarter of a century, Citroën Racing has developed unique know-how which has allowed it to triumph in rally-raid, the WRC and now the FIA WTCC. This stability has created a cohesion that has proved key to our success in this, our very first season in the discipline.”
López may have secured the drivers’ title early, with an unassailable 117 point lead over Muller, but second place is still up for grabs. Muller leads team-mate Sébastien Loeb by 40 points, with 55 available in the Macau season finale in three weeks’ time.