Esteban Guerrieri is no stranger to a WTCR title fight. Even this season, without a single race win to his name, the Argentine was still in mathematical contention to battle for the overall honours today.
However, a heavy crash in race one caused by fellow title contender Frederic Vervisch ended Guerrieri’s unlikely title bid before it could even really begin.
Having made contact at the sweeping turn three left hander, Guerrieri’s Honda ran wide onto the slippery painted surface. There, he lost all grip, pitching the car into a violent spin towards the barriers.
The ensuing impact destroyed the Civic, promptly eliminating Guerrieri from both races. However, the incident could have been a whole lot worse, as Norbert Michelisz only narrowly avoided collecting the stricken car head-on.
“It was a bitter end to the year unfortunately,” Guerrieri said after the accident. “But it could have been more bitter if I had been hit by Norbi in the crash, so in the end I always have to look at the positive side and I am here talking to you [so that’s the main thing].
“It is part of the sport, and sometimes we aren’t conscious of the risk we are taking until a big crash happens.
“At this level, I expect every driver to give each other space, but in this instance Vervisch started on the inside and ended the corner on the outside, putting me off.
“Obviously it was a totally unfair move, and the consequences were massive. But yeah, I’m sorry for the team and for Honda. The car is in hundreds of pieces, but sometimes this is the sport.
“Now, I will try to recharge my batteries with some time off with my family and friends. I’ll come back fully loaded next year.”