Yvan Muller took victory in the Main Race at FIA WTCC JVCKENWOOD Race of Japan, but second was enough for José María López to be provisional champion*.
López led the race from pole position, but allowed his Citroën team-mate Muller past in the closing stages, with the Frenchman claiming his first win of the season. After celebrating provisionally claiming his third WTCC title, López explained that the gesture was a thank you to his team-mate.
Tiago Monteiro made it a double podium for himself at Honda’s home event after passing the WTCC Trophy winner Mehdi Bennani.
Néstor Girolami claimed a fine fifth place on his first race weekend back in the WTCC with Polestar Cyan Racing, the Argentine making a pass on Tom Chilton.
Thed Bjork finished seventh in the second Volvo, ahead of the Hondas of Norbert Michelisz and Rob Huff. Gabriele Tarquini completed the top 10 in his LADA after overtaking his team-mate Nicky Catsburg as they battled with James Thompson.