Intro:

Championship leader Jose Maria Lopez extended his advantage after victory in the second race at Salzburg (May 25).

Script:

Race one at the Salzburgring - and Yvan Muller the man on pole managed to hold through the start of a tightly contested first turn.

Yvan Muller, The reigning WTCC champion's, Citroen team-mate Sebastien Loeb, was squeezed onto the kerbs exiting the first chicane on the opening lap by Tom Coronel.

Loeb dropped to fourth in the incident, behind Coronel and championship leader Jose Maria Lopez.

And on lap eight, Lopez put himself out the race.

The Argentinian came back into the first race, yet was unable to pass Coronel in second and finished up third.

Yet, the appearance of two safety cars following a serious collision at the start of the second race made things difficult for Lopez.

With the safety cars out there was little chance of clawing back time on Muller's lead.

But the Argentinian Lopez was thrown a lifeline when Muller abandoned his car.

That made it easier for the Argentinian to take the lead and go on to win with Tarquini leading home a trio of Honda cars.

Lopez now has a 41-point advantage over defending champion Muller as they approach the halfway stage of the season.