Leopard Lukoil’s Jean-Karl Vernay secured victory in the opening TCR Europe race at Monza, finishing ahead of PCR Sport’s Mikel Azcona who finished in second to extend his points lead.

Vernay bogged down at the start of the race, which allowed the CUPRA of Azcona to slide into the lead as the Audi driver had to cut the chicane to avoid contact with the also fast-starting Honda of Attila Tassi.

As Azcona scampered off to build a small early advantage, the race would need neutralizing after just one racing lap when European series newcomer Benjamin Lessennes was helped off into the gravel at the Parabolica by the Hyundai of Peter Terting, with the Belgian’s car making contact with the barriers.

A two-lap safety car period was required to recover the Autodis Racing by THX Honda, and when the race resumed on lap four Azcona managed to make a good restart.

However, Vernay made his move on the fifth lap with a late-braking move into the first chicane, with Azcona seemingly content to settle for second as he made no move to defend his lead.

That then left Vernay in control of the race as he eased to a second win of the season, following victory at Spa-Francorchamps earlier in the season.

The podium was completed by KCMG’s Josh Files, who got past team-mate Tassi half-way around the opening lap and had a relatively quiet race thereafter.

_{Source: Touringcars.net}

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