LADA factory drivers Nicky Catsburg and Hugo Valente both hit out after on-track contact wrecked their hopes at FIA WTCC JVCKENWOOD Race of Japan on Sunday.
Catsburg lost ground in an incident involving Citroën-driving world champion José María López during the Opening Race, while Valente was forced out on lap one after a clash with Grégoire Demoustier sent him spinning (pictured).
“The driving standards of some drivers today left much to be desired, I got pushed wide in both races” said Catsburg afterwards.
When quizzed about the incident, López said: “I had a big shunt from Catsburg in the rear, I was a bit lucky there but it came okay. I would like to say the Opening Race is a war for us. You get hit from everywhere but it’s a fun race obviously.”