McNish second in Fuji washoutposted in LMANS20 | 10 | 2013
SCOT ALLAN MCNISH will start the penultimate round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in Shanghai next month with a crucial 40-point lead.
The 43-year-old from Dumfries's hybrid-diesel Audi R18 e-tron quattro was classified second in today's Six Hours of Fuji after the Japanese “race” ran for a total of just 16-laps, all behind the Safety Car. It was then ultimately abandoned after five hours due to inclement weather.
The race — 'won' by the Toyota of Kazuki Nakajima — was suspended twice when torrential rain made driving conditions too dangerous around the 2.84-mile Japanese track nestling in the foothills of Mount Fuji.
McNish and co-driver Loïc Duval had qualified fourth-fastest in dry conditions the previous day.
Crucially, while only the Frenchman drove in the “race” McNish, Duval and Tom Kristensen each collected half points.
But that decision was only made after stewards of the meeting waived the rules governing minimum driving times on grounds of force majeure.
Related: Allan McNish targets world title
The points also helped Audi earn the WEC Manufacturers’ title for a second consecutive year.
The result also means three-times Le mans 24-Hours winner McNish, and co-drivers Duval and Kristensen, now only needs to finish fourth in Shanghai to seal his first world title.
“It was a bizarre situation being on the podium for second place after not driving and no ‘racing’ laps having taken place," McNish laughed. "It's something I’ve never previously experienced in my career.
“The organisers awarded half points meaning Tom, Loïc and I extended our series lead by 8¾ points and head to China with a 40¾pt lead which is obviously very good with just two races to go.
“But I will not change my attitude or focus. I go to both races attempting to win.”
Related: Stuart Easton wins British Supersport Championship
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Jim McGill