TOUR DE FORCE

COMPARISONS can be odious at times, yet it would be fair to say that Yvan Muller was to World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) what Michael Schumacher was to Formula One. 

The Frenchman, who bowed out last week after 11 seasons in the WTCC, will be remembered as one of the best drivers to have graced the scene.

The 47-year-old holds almost all records in WTCC — four world titles, 50 wins, 29 pole positions and 40 fastest laps, to name a few.

In his final outing, under the lights at Losail International Circuit, the Citroen driver finished fourth and sixth in Race 1 and Race 2 respectively and grabbed the overall runner-up spot behind team-mate Jose Maria Lopez.

“Racing has been part of my life for a long time. But now I’ve reached a stage where I’ve to do something else. I’m at peace with my life. I’ve no regrets. Of course, it’s a very emotional moment, but everything has to end and I’m so pleased,” said Muller, as Citroen team-mates carried him on their shoulders after the spectacular night race at Losail.

The seasoned campaigner had announced in September that he would retire after the last race of the season as he wanted to spend more time with his family and set up his own Yvan Muller Racing Team.

It was quite befitting that his wife and daughter accompanied him to Losail and they were seen together at the Press conference room and the paddock.

“For sure, there’re many things to do now. I’ll, of course, look after my team and young drivers. I’ll keep coaching them. And as far as the time I was spending as a driver is concerned, I’ll be devoting it more to my family,” Muller added.

Calling his three-year association with Citroen as one of the best in his life, Muller was candid while admitting that he would miss the thrills of racing.

“Many things come to my mind often — those big applause from the crowd and all those fights with my peers. We had some close fights, but at the end we were all friends with a lot of respect. That’s the most important part of the sport which I like,” he said.

Driving has always been his passion and, no wonder, he did not rule out a return in a different role.

“I’ll come back with a different hat, but I won’t say what,” Muller concluded. DSP