Yvan Muller described his victory in the opening FIA World Touring Car Cup race in Macau as ‘amazing’ after victory lifted the Cyan Racing driver up to third in the drivers’ championship standings.
Muller secured his third win of the year, and his second on the streets of Macau, with a lights-to-flag win in the first race on Saturday.
The Frenchman had to endure late-race pressure from BRC Racing’s Norbert Michelisz, though, although he eventually held on to win by just under half a second.
Muller admitted that, having retired from racing at the end of 2016, before returning in late 2017, he had never thought he would be able to return to such winning ways.
“Amazing,” said Muller of his win. “I retired from driving in 2016 and I thought I would never come back. Now I’m back in the car and even better I’m winning.
“This was a big team effort. Thank you to my team-mates because they push me and make me faster.”
Muller admitted that despite having clear air in front of him he remained cautious throughout the race, as he says accidents can happen even when drivers ease off on the challenging city circuit.
“Anything can happen at Macau and the most important thing is to qualify well, then do a good start and a good first lap.
“Then you have to manage to go fast but not do any mistake, especially with someone like Norbi on your back, which is fast and safe.
“I just kept the gap of what I needed to be the leader without taking too much risk, because on this track even when you don’t take the risk you can crash.
“There is always pressure. Even when you are on your own there is pressure at Macau, but especially when you have a fast boy like Norbi!
“There are two races in one race. One, you have to push hard and not make any mistakes, and then you have to keep the car behind you behind you!”