Imola: Series weekend summary

TARQUINI AND MULLER SHARE GLORY IN IMOLA

The previous race meeting in Oschersleben had boosted Augusto Farfus' and BMW's hopes in the title fight. But today in Imola, SEAT Sport's men Gabriele Tarquini and Yvan Muller struck back and claimed a serious stake on both the Drivers' and Manufacturers' championships.

By sharing victories and second places on the Italian track, Tarquini and Muller built a solid cushion from Farfus, who now has an 18-point gap from the leader and lies 11 points behind the reigning champion. Meanwhile, SEAT's leading margin in the Manufacturers' standings was stretched to 21 points.

Although the battle for the world title hogged the limelight, James Thompson caused a sensation. Not only did the Briton score LADA's first points in the Drivers' Championship, but finishing sixth in both races he also showed that the pace of the Russian car has improved dramatically. Now podium results look to be within reach.

The championship is now facing a five-week break, before resuming on November 1st at Okayama, Japan, for rounds 21 and 22.

-credit: wtcc