Lynk & Co Cyan Racing driver Ma Qing Hua thrilled the home crowd in the final FIA TCR World Tour race at the Zhuzhou International Circuit as he claimed victory on the very last lap from Hyundai driver Néstor Girolami.
The Lynk & Co 03 TCR driver started second and put hard pressure on his Argentinian rival, finally making a daring move on lap 18/18 to claim his second win of the season.
"It's amazing to win my home race, it couldn't be any better! It was a fantastic race, Néstor defended really well and I knew that I had to try everything on the last lap. It worked out really well. A big thanks to all the fans here, to Lynk & Co and to the team - we had really good performance this weekend," said Ma Qing Hua.
Double world champion Yann Ehrlacher made it a Cyan Racing double podium with third place in Race 2, despite suffering technical issues which occurred during one of the many safety car sessions this race weekend.
The strong results of the team keeps Lynk & Co Cyan Racing in contention for both the drivers' and teams' titles ahead of the Macau season finale which is next up, with Yann Ehrlacher currently holding fourth overall, 23 points from leading driver Norbert Michelisz.
"It was a good second race. I started eighth and managed to pass two of my main championship rivals from Hyundai early in the race. I was all in during the race with full push. Unfortunately we broke the diff during the safety car and after that we just had to survive to the end. So I am super happy to score a podium finish and that Ma won in front of his home crowd. Now I'm really looking forward to the final in Macau," said Yann Ehrlacher.
Team-mate Thed Björk fought his way to a strong podium in the first rain-affected race on Saturday and a top ten finish in the final race.
The Swede is still the best placed Lynk & Co Cyan Racing driver in the drivers' championship in third place, 19 points from the top spot.
"I'm not personally happy with my result in the final race but very happy for Ma and the team. We have had ups and downs this weekend, but we still managed to score a solid points haul. And most importantly, we are in the run for both titles ahead of the Macau finale. That was our main target and now we have a lot of hard work ahead to prepare for the season end," said Thed Björk.
Santiago Urrutia had a competitive Chinese race weekend with pole position and two top five finishes.
"It's great that we managed to secure strong points despite challenging conditions throughout the weekend in front of our Chinese fans. The car worked really well in the last race and now I just can't wait for the season finale in Macau," said Santiago Urrutia.
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing keeps the team championship lead after the race weekend at the Zhuzhou International Circuit ahead of Hyundai.
There is just one FIA TCR World Tour race weekend remaining of the 2024 season with the legendary Macau street race hosting the season finale on November 14-17.