7msports > Racing Video > Grachev wins home race as Nash takes championship lead
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Russian driver Mikhail Grachev won his home race for WestCoast Racing in the TCR International Series on Sunday (3rd July) in Sochi.
Just two points now separate the top three drivers in the championship following the final race of the TCR International Series ahead of the summer break.
There was some entertaining action at Sochi Autodrom on Sunday, and Mikhail Grachev delighted a partisan crowd with victory on home soil.
Grachev got off to a strong start in race two as the field headed for the first bend, with teenager Attila Tassi in second and James Nash jumping up to third.
Nash attempted to use his experience to get ahead of Tassi but it was Frenchman Jean-Karl Vernay who eventually overtook the Hungarian youngster on lap nine to secure second place.
Gianni Morbidelli, who had got up to fourth at one stage, was forced to retire with two laps to go after getting a front-wheel puncture.
The Russian favorite however, Grachev held on though to claim a home victory with with the Frenchman Jean-Karl Vernay sercured second place with Tassi in third.
Stefano Comini had earlier claimed his second win of the season in the first race of the day.
Starting in pole position, the Swiss was able to build a comfortable lead in his Leopard Racing Volkswagen Golf Gt that he never relinquished.
Comini finished ahead of then championship leader Pepe Oriola who edged third-placed Morbidelli.
Nash is the new championship leader, a point ahead of Comini, with Oriola a further point behind.
The drivers will enjoy a break before racing resumes at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand in August.
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Grachev wins home race as Nash takes championship lead
Monday, July 04 2016Category:Racing