Norbert Michelisz secured a front-row start for Honda with a superb performance in World Touring Car Championship qualifying on the streets of Macau. The Hungarian, who had topped both free practice sessions, was also fastest in the Q2 section of qualifying, before confirming second place on the grid in the single-lap Q3. Norbert’s sixth-consecutive front-row start equalled the all-time WTCC record; the bonus points awarded in Q3 reducing his deficit in the Drivers’ Championship to 14.5 points ahead of Saturday’s Opening Race, in which he starts eighth on the partially-reversed grid. His Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team-mate Esteban Guerrieri produced a stunning late effort in Q2 to jump up to second place and secure his Q3 spot. The Argentinan qualified fifth, which puts him fifth on the Opening Race grid. Ryo Michigami continued his recent upturn in qualifying form and placed his Honda Racing Team JAS Civic seventh on the grid on his first appearance at Macau for 22 years. His result means he will start the Opening Race from third place. Following qualifying, the ninth MAC3 ‘Manufacturers Against the Clock’ session was held with Honda taking victory for a second straight event and further closing in on the lead of the Manufacturers’ Championship. |