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Why the 3529-day wait was worth it for WTCR podium finisher Thompson

James Thompson celebrated his first world touring car podium since 2008 when he took third place in Race 2 at WTCR Race of Netherlands on Monday.

Driving a Honda Civic Type R TCR for ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport, Thompson had lined up on the DHL Pole Position at Zandvoort. But after dropping to second at the start, he surrendered the runner-up spot to team-mate Yann Ehrlacher on the final lap to boost the young Frenchman's title bid.

"We're really very, very happy with Race 2 - I'm overjoyed to be on the podium," said Thompson, whose lost podium visit was at Imola on 21 September 2008, when he won Race 2 at WTCC Race of Europe - also driving a Honda - a gap of 3529 days or 9 years and 8 months. "It's been a little while since my last podium with Honda and I've got a lot greyer in that time! That feeling is part of the reason why I wanted to come back and do these race weekends.

"We're all a really great team here and the guys are fighting for the championship, and I'll always do what I can to help and to contribute to that, and I leave here feeling very pleased."

The WTCR - FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO heads next to Vila Real in Portugal from 22-24 June.

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com