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Oriola: I couldn’t risk WTCR winning move

Pepe Oriola has revealed he didn't go all out to win Race 2 at WTCR JVCKENWOOD Race of Japan for fear of jeopardising his chances of challenging for the inaugural WTCR - FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO title in Macau next month.

Oriola started the Suzuka weekend's second counter from the DHL Pole Position but lost out to Rob Huff on the run to the first corner. Although he shadowed Huff for much of the race, he stopped short of pushing to reclaim the lead from his rival, preferring instead to snap up the 18 points on offer for finishing P2 in his Cupra TCR.

"I had a lot to lose because we couldn't get a zero, my main goal was to score points," said the Team OSCARO by Campos Racing driver. "If we're in the same position in Macau maybe we can [push to] be top of the world but today wasn't the day. I have 20 points [from the weekend], it can still be really close."

Oriola will head to Macau for the season showdown from 15-18 November 64 points behind Gabriele Tarquini but with a maximum of 87 up for grabs.

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com