Asian Motor Sports

Yvan Muller took command in the title race with Gabriele Tarquini for the FIA 2008 World Touring Car Championship at Macau. Muller clinched third while Tarquini only took eighth.

“It is true, I’m in a good position but I want to be prudent until everything is over. Anything is possible in Macau but I’m happy for this result which gives me a better position than Gabriele,” said Muller.

“But his doesn’t change my plans and I want to be focused on finishing both races in the best possible position.”

Tarquini made a mistake during his run and touched the barriers. He had to pit for repairs and was unable to do any further qualifying laps.

“It’s a shame. The car was working very well and after I made the first try for a fast lap, I started for the second but was too optimistic while braking. The front wheel blocked and I crashed against the fences. It hasn’t been a good qualifying although I tried to give the best as always. But mistakes are expensive here,” said Tarquini.

Tarquini could drop even further in the final standings as Rob Huff and Rickard Rydell are ahead of him in the qualifying session. But the Italian has not given up completely.

“My chances are smaller now but I’ll be fighting for the championship until the last minute,” said Tarquini.