Noticias – Page 8 – Latino Traffic Report

MINI Defy Labels Campaign Features Olympian Balderas

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Aug 182016

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Latino Traffic Report has learned that lightweight boxer Carlos Balderas Jr. of Santa Maria, California, is one of several athletes featured in MINI USA’s “Defy Labels” campaign that debuted during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The star-studded campaign launched earlier this year but the television spot featuring Olympians launched August 1 on the official MINI USA YouTube channel, focusing on athletes and the labels they’ve overcome to become what they are today.

“We specifically selected these remarkable athletes because they are different. Their stories are not what you would expect,” explained Tom Noble, department head, MINI Brand Communications. “In the end, it’s not about the labels people give you, it’s about who you are and what you overcome. It’s about being an individual and creating your own path, something we as a brand know a lot about. These Olympians and their stories offer important lessons that reveal the power of the human spirit to surprise and inspire.”

In addition to the spot itself, the campaign also includes a series of eight unscripted interviews telling honest and revealing stories about how some of the country’s most elite athletes rose from extraordinary circumstances to achieve success in their fields. The videos were launched on July 21st on MINIUSA.com/DefyLabels. They star Balderas, Serena Williams, boxer Claressa Shields, fencer IIbtihaj Muhammad, volleyball player Jake Gibb, rugby player Carlin Isles, weight-lifter Morgan King and swimmer Cullen Jones.

USA Boxing has not recorded a lightweight medal win at the Olympics since the 1996 Atlanta Games. Balderas was well on his way to a medal after winning the first two preliminary rounds. On August 12, he faced Lazaro Alvarez of Cuba in a quarterfinals bout. After three rounds, the top-seeded Alvarez won by unanimous decision, ending the American boxer’s Olympic medal bid.

“I’ll be supporting my teammates like they’ve been supporting me, and we’ll be out there until the last day,” he told Chris Kudialis of The Tribune.

Ford Fund Donates $400,000 to LULAC

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Jul 292016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, named the recipients of the Ford Driving Dreams (FDD) Grants at the 87^th Annual LULAC Convention in Washington, DC. A total of $400,000 in scholarships and grants will be awarded to 10 Councils and LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) to support programs that encourage Latino students to graduate from high school, and provide resources to help them pursue a higher education. Ten Councils will receive $180,000 in FDD Grants to implement dropout prevention programs. Through LNESC, $220,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Hispanic students in San Antonio, Houston, and Puerto Rico.

Honorees from 2015.

Currently, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the high school graduation rate for Latinos is at an all-time high at 71 percent, a 10 percent increase from 2006. Yet, the Hispanic dropout rate is 10.6 percent, higher than the national dropout rate of 6.5 percent

Ford Motor Company Fund will award eight LULAC Councils a $20,000 grant over two school years to implement high school dropout prevention programs in collaboration with a local educational entity. The eight grant recipients that will implement their programs this fall are:

LULAC Council #4609 Arlington, VA
LULAC Council #7 Laredo, TX
LULAC Council #333 Milwaukee, WI
LULAC Council #40002 Portland, OR
LULAC Council #754 Rogers, AR
LULAC Council #15164 Toa Alta, PR
LULAC Council #11125 Washington, DC
LULAC Council #5273 Waukegan, IL

As a result of their success in 2014, LULAC Council #2848, Anaheim, Calif., and LULAC Council #44040, Provo, Utah, were selected to each receive a $10,000 grant from Ford Motor Company Fund to continue their programs for an additional school year. These model Councils will continue the programs that uniquely promote on-time high school graduation through student engagement activities such as mentoring and academic support.

Joe Avila.

“We are very proud of our work with LULAC, because together we are able to provide the resources to help the Councils build brighter educational futures for thousands of students in their own communities,” said Joe Avila, community outreach manager, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Education has long been a priority for Ford, and we are committed to helping our youth acquire the tools they need for future success.”

“Helping young people succeed is a constant effort we have made possible in association with Ford Motor Company Fund so students can graduate high school on time and pursue a college education. Today we celebrate and recognize the work of the Councils who are making sure that their communities are being empowered through academic excellence,” said Brent Wilkes, national executive director of LULAC.

Ford Driving Dreams Grants has invested more than $1.3 million since its launch in 2010. More than 1,500 students and 60 Councils have been able to leverage their success across the country. LULAC Council #21006 in Silver Spring, Maryland, used the $20,000 FDD grant awarded in 2014 to implement a program to help Latino students achieve their academic dreams with GapBuster, Inc., their educational partner.

One student is Luis Rosales, who, with 37 other students in the program, successfully graduated high school on time. Rosales recently graduated with honors from Montgomery Community College and this fall will attend Georgetown University School of Business on a full scholarship. Rosales and the FDD students started the first LULAC Youth Council in Maryland and is now a board member of GapBuster, Inc.

Each FDD grant recipient will develop a sustainable program that reflect the local education landscape and relies on partnerships with local education institutions. For more information on the Ford Driving Dreams Grants, visit www.lulac.org/ford

Ford Motor Company Fund, invests more than $10 million a year in scholarships and other education initiatives across the country. In addition to Ford Driving Dreams, other Ford Fund educational programs include Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Next Generation Learning, Ford College Community Challenge and the Ford STEAM Lab. For more information, visit www.forddrivingdreams.com.

Toyota Sponsors Ruido Fest in Chicago

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Jul 162016

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Los Angeles based band, La Santa Cecilia, perform at Ruido Fest and join Toyota at the Toyota Musica area – July 2016.

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Toyota is the exclusive automotive sponsor for Ruido Fest, one of the nation’s largest Latin alternative summer music festivals.

This year’s featured artists included:

Mexican indie-pop singer and composer Carla Morrison
Mexican pop-rock singer/songwriter Natalia Lafourcade
Mexican-American, L.A.-based band La Santa Cecilia.

The artists shared highlights with festivalgoers and music fans through Toyota hashtags #BoldWish and #VayamosJuntos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To support up-and-coming artists, a Toyota-sponsored stage featured some of today’s rising Latin alternative music stars.

Powered by the bold Camry, Morrison surprised one lucky fan by fulfilling their #BoldWish at Ruido Fest. Lafourcade joined Cuban actor, singer and Univision TV presenter, William Valdes, for a live karaoke session as part of their #BoldWish. In addition, social media famous photographer Bryant Eslava and Valdes created a 360-degree live video along with the other artists to share festival highlights with music fans on Toyota Latino channels.

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2016 Ruido Fest – Actor and TV presenter William Valdes and singer/songwriter, Natalia Lafourcade meet up at Ruido Fest. Photo by social media photographer, Bryant Eslava before Lafourcade’s performance – July 2016.

Through the lens of “Musica y Destinos,” the Toyota Música area immersed festivalgoers in vehicle displays that engaged them through a series of virtual reality zones and shareable GIF photo opportunities starring the bold Camry, the all-new Prius, the RAV4 Hybrid, and the Corolla. A special perk for Toyota owners included exclusive access to a loyalty deck with a bird’s eye view of the festival each day.

“Music is ingrained in the lives of so many of our guests,” says Tyler McBride, Toyota’s engagement marketing manager. “We use music to connect with our guests and Ruido Fest was the perfect setting. Whether in person or via our social channels, Toyota is committed to engaging our artist partners and giving our guests an up close and personal view of the music journey.”

As a major sponsor of music festivals, Toyota has developed a social activation to engage attendees as well as raise funds for VH1 Save the Music. Festivalgoers visit the activation space and share on social media using #ToyotaGiving to show their support, while simultaneously increasing music education awareness. The social campaign benefits VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a national nonprofit organization committed to restoring music education programs in America’s public schools. A $30K donation will go to a designated school later this year.

Castro Promoted to Head of PR at Lamborghini

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Jun 232016

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Latino Traffic Report has learned that Automobili Lamborghini America recently appointed Jiannina Castro to head of public relations, effective immediately. She will be responsible for managing corporate, brand, product, and lifestyle communications for the company across the Americas and will report to Alessandro Farmeschi, chief operating officer, Automobili Lamborghini America.

She joins Automobili Lamborghini after four years within the luxury automotive industry where she was responsible for communications and held senior management roles in partnerships, retail marketing, and events. Prior to this, Castro held roles managing marketing and communications for several global luxury brands including Maserati where she served as director of communications and was responsible for driving the company’s North American communications strategies and plans to increase brand awareness and maximize profitability targets during a period of exponential growth.

Originally from South Florida, Castro holds a bachelor of science in communication from the University of Miami.

GM Expands Career Re-Entry Program

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Jun 212016

Did you leave a career in the auto industry only to discover that you miss it? Latino Traffic Report has learned that General Motors will expand its popular twelve-week career re-entry internship this fall. Paid internships will begin in mid-September and will be available in GM’s information technology, manufacturing and engineering functions.

Take 2 is an opportunity for professionals with technical backgrounds who took a career break of two or more years and are interested in returning to the workforce. This 12-week “audition” will prepare experienced interns for a full-time career in one of several fields at GM through training, professional development and networking opportunities.

“The pilot of ten interns this spring was so successful, we jumped at the chance to utilize this program to add experienced IT team members to our organization,” said Sue Brann, chief administration officer at GM’s Austin Innovation Center.

The fall program will offer positions at GM’s southeast Michigan campuses, including Warren, Milford and Pontiac, as well as the company’s IT innovation center in Austin, Texas.

“As the executive sponsor of the Take 2 program, I am so pleased with how our organization has embraced the idea of welcoming experienced professionals into our company,” said Kristen Siemen, executive director, Global Thermal Engineering. “They bring an incredible breadth of experience, both professional and personal, to these positions. I look forward to expanding the program to other parts of our business in this next chapter.”

Available positions for the fall Take 2 program are currently posted. Interested applicants can visit the GM Careers website for more information.

Lovato Joins Jonas for the 2016 Honda Civic Tour

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Jun 032016

Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas to Headline Fifteenth Anniversary Honda Civic Tour This Summer

Latino Traffic Report has learned that multi-platinum selling music artists, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas will headline the 2016 Honda Civic Tour that launches June 24, 2016 in the Miami area. Demi and Nick will take their highly anticipated tour to 37 cities throughout the United States including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, and more.

“We want our fans to step into our worlds and to feel like they’re a part of Honda Civic Tour: Future Now from the moment they enter the venue ’til the moment they leave,” says Lovato.

Adds Jonas: “We’re looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience that’s unlike anything else.”

The Honda Civic Tour also invites fans to power up their concert experience with The Power of Dreams sweepstakes. Starting March 22 through August 27, one lucky ticket holder and a guest at each show along the tour will be selected for the ultimate backstage VIP experience, including an arena tour, a look inside Demi’s and Nick’s tour bus, a chance to walk on stage prior to the show and a private meet and greet with Demi and Nick. Fans can enter for their chance to win at Honda.us/tix.

Continuing in Honda Civic Tour tradition, also tarting March 22 through February 2017, fans will be able to enter to win a brand new 2016 Honda Civic Sedan designed and autographed by Lovato, a Honda Grom motorcycle customized and autographed by Jonas or (thanks to Honda Financial Services) a trip to the tour finale at The Forum in Los Angeles on September 17. More info and rules for all sweepstakes can be found on HondaCivicTour.com.

Singer/songwriter Lovato’s current album, CONFIDENT, is out now on Hollywood Records/Island Records/Safehouse Records and features the hit songs “Cool for The Summer,” and the title track “Confident.” Her newest single is the power ballad “Stone Cold.” In addition, Demi is playing Smurfette in the upcoming animated feature GET SMURFY.

Island Records/Safehouse Records artist, Jonas introduced himself as a fully formed solo artist on his hit self-titled debut, released in November 2014. The critically acclaimed album includes hits “Jealous,” “Chains” and “Levels.” Currently in the studio working on his new album, he also stars in “Kingdom,” and will appear in the upcoming James Franco produced film GOAT, which premiered at Sundance to incredible reviews.

This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Honda Civic Tour. Over 4.2 million fans have attended the concert series since 2001 to see 68 artists including One Direction, Maroon 5, Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, blink-182, The Black Eyed Peas, Incubus and more. For a list of dates and venues, go to http://civictour.honda.com.

Latino Firefighter Wins 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

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May 262016

Kevin Arias of the Tristate Fire Protection District was the grand prize winner of the FCA US LLC 2015 National Sweepstakes.

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Chicago fireman Kevin Arias of the Tristate Fire Protection District was named the grand prize winner of the FCA US LLC 2015 National Sweepstakes. The Oswego, Ill., native overcame the odds of 1,265,218 contest entrants to win a $45,000 credit toward any Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT or Alfa Romeo brand vehicle. Arias selected a 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack in Granite Pearl as his winning prize.

The National Giveaway is an annual initiative that takes place over an entire calendar year. Consumers enter by participating in an FCA event where they can experience and interact with a knowledgeable product specialist at a branded booth or tent space, or get inside a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT or Alfa Romeo vehicle to take a test ride or test drive.

“Ironically, a few months ago I had said to my wife, ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get my hot-rod,'” Arias shared. “I’ve wanted a hot rod for as long as I can remember, so when FCA told me I won a car, I immediately chose the Dodge Challenger. I’m feeling truly blessed. I never win anything, so when I got the call from FCA it was unbelievable. On top of that, everyone at FCA has made this experience just awesome.”

Arias secured his entry while visiting the Ram Truck brand space at the 2015 Shot Show, an event that took place in January of last year in Las Vegas. He will receive his vehicle from Tyson Motors, the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Shorewood, Ill.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to gift one of our event attendees with an FCA vehicle,” stated Jason Russ, head of Experiential Marketing for FCA US LLC. “Given how Kevin Arias heroically serves his community as a Chicago firefighter, it gives us great pleasure to present him with his new Dodge Challenger. We anticipate that he will have many years of joy from his brand new muscle car.”

The annual National Giveaway offered by FCA US will be open for entry throughout 2016 to give eligible consumers a new opportunity to win $45,000 toward the purchase of a new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, FIAT or Alfa Romeo brand vehicle. There is no purchase necessary to enter or win. For the official sweepstakes rules and details on how to enter, please visit www.fcaentertowin.com. The 2016 sweepstakes ends December 31, 2016. For the latest product and brand news, visit www.fcanorthamerica.com.

HACR Honors GM Latinos in STEM

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May 112016

Alexandra Figueroa and Tony Argote were among 35 young professionals recognized nationally for their leadership by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR).

Latino Traffic Report has learned that two GM young Latino professionals—a software developer and an automotive engineer—were among 35 young professionals recognized nationally for their leadership by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR).

Tony Argote and Alexandra Figueroa were named Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers (YHCA) at HACR’s Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers Program, a four-day leadership program that concluded Tuesday with a special awards ceremony and celebratory tenth anniversary reception at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C. They were the only STEM professionals from the auto industry.

“The GM family congratulates Tony and Alexandra on this remarkable honor,” said Ken Barrett, GM global chief diversity officer. “Latino engineers and IT professionals are vital to the future of our industry. Their accomplishments can serve as an example and an inspiration for other Latinos.”

Tony Argote, Program Engineering Manager for Autonomous Technologies, was named a Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever at HACR’s Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers Program in Washington, D.C.

The annual program recognizes young Hispanics at Fortune 500 and/or HACR Corporate Member companies who are selected from a competitive application process after being nominated by their companies. Once selected, the young executives participate in an intensive multi-day leadership development, education, and training program.

“We are very proud of our tenth class of the HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers Program,” asserted Cid Wilson, HACR president and CEO. “Each year this program highlights the future leaders of Corporate America. Over the last ten years, many of the past HACR YHCA participants have gone on to become corporate executives at Fortune 500 companies with some serving on corporate boards of Fortune 500 companies.”

Son of Cuban immigrants, Argote is the first in his family to obtain a college degree. He started his career at GM in 2005, when he arrived as a student participating in the cooperative education program through the Georgia Institute of Technology. After his first assignment working on the corporate fuel economy model, he worked on vehicle electrification, and then development of the next generation of full size light duty pickup trucks. Now part of the autonomous vehicles team as the program engineering manager for autonomous technologies, Argote helps lead STEM initiatives at GM and in the community.

In the summer of 2009, he helped found Green Place Detroit, a non-profit organization focused on volunteering after school and on weekends at a predominantly Hispanic middle and high school in Southeast Detroit. The program focuses on demonstrations of STEM and sustainability concepts through building and maintaining an urban garden.

“I’m honored to join the ranks of all the great Latinos who have received this recognition,” Argote said. “I am grateful to GM and to the HACR board for all they do to develop young professionals’ leadership skills and introduce us to a network of professionals who are committed to promoting Hispanic empowerment.”

Alexandra Figueroa, a senior software developer at the GM Innovation Center in Chandler, was named a Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever at HACR’s Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers Program in Washington, D.C.

Figueroa, a senior software developer at the Innovation Center in Chandler, Ariz., has made a strong impact in her two short years at GM. She moved from Puerto Rico in 1999 to earn a master’s degree in computer science at DePaul University in Chicago. She made her way to Arizona where General Motors was opening one of four new innovation centers in the country in 2014.

Passionate about creating awareness about STEM careers among Latinas, Figueroa leads the Hispanic Initiative Team in Chandler and is also involved in recruiting efforts around the country and at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She frequently leads STEM workshops in her community and a few weeks ago, she helped open a technology center in Phoenix for underprivileged Latino youth.

“As a Latina in IT, I am gratified and humbled to receive this recognition,” Figueroa said. “I do everything I can to inspire other Latinos to go into STEM fields of study or a STEM career. It is my hope that this recognition helps further that message even further.”

To qualify for the HACR YHCA Program, candidates must be of Hispanic origin, between the ages of 25–40 at the time the award is received, and must also be employed at Fortune 500 and/or HACR Corporate Member companies. Finalists are selected based on their demonstrated leadership qualities, achievements within their respective corporations, and proven commitment to the Hispanic community.

Subaru hosts Dining Out for Life this April 28

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Apr 262016

L to R: Mondo Guerra, Daisy Martinez, Pam Greer, and Ted Allen

Latino Traffic Report encourages readers to help make a difference by simply enjoying a meal with family or friends during Dining Out For Life hosted by Subaru, a delicious event held on Thursday, April 28, 2016. Dining at one of the 3,000 participating restaurants in nearly 60 cities across North America and that restaurant will donate a generous portion of the day’s proceeds to fund HIV/AIDS care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential services in their city.
Volunteer spokespeople include Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s Chopped, actor Pam Grier (Foxy Brown, Jackie Brown), designer Mondo Guerra, winner of Lifetime’s Project Runway All-Stars, and chef Daisy Martinez from Food Network’s Viva Daisy! “The wonderful thing about Dining Out For Life is that all the funds are raised in your community stay in your community and, for me, that means a lot,” says Guerra. “When I was first diagnosed with HIV, my local AIDS service organization was the only support I had. Without this support, I would not be here today.”

Guerra in front of his Dining Out For Life-wrapped Subaru at Philly’s Food Truck Pop Up.

Dining Out For Life began in Philadelphia in 1991 and has since grown into an international event held in cities across North America – raising an average $4 million annually. The idea behind the single-day event is simple and effective: Dine Out, Fight AIDS. Each restaurant donates a percentage of the day’s food sales, which goes to local organizations to fund care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential HIV/AIDs services.

“We have been the host sponsor of Dining Out For Life for a decade; however, the struggle to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues on. Subaru is proud to be part of an event that spreads awareness for such a worthy cause and also encourages people to support those who need it most in their local communities,” said Alan Bethke, vice president of marketing, Subaru of America, Inc.

Regions and cities celebrating Dining Out For Life include Albany, Anchorage, Asheville, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Birmingham/Mobile, Broward County, Fla., Buffalo, Charleston, Chattanooga, Chicago, Columbia, Denver/Boulder, Detroit, El Paso, Fort Collins/Northern Colorado, Grand Junction/Western Colorado, Grand Rapids, Houston, Indianapolis, Inland Empire, Jacksonville, Kalamazoo/Southwest Michigan, Kansas City, Key West, Las Vegas, Lexington, Louisville, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul/Greater Minneapolis, Nashville, New Haven, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York City, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Northern Nevada, Orange County, Palm Beach County, Palm Springs, Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, Phoenix/Prescott, Portland, Ore., Raleigh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Sonoma County, St. Louis, Tacoma/Olympia, Tampa Bay, Tulsa, Vancouver/Whistler, Vancouver Island and Washington, D.C.
Please note: While most cities will hold their event on Thursday, April 28, some have alternate dates. For more information on your area’s event, visit www.diningoutforlife.com and follow on Twitter: @DineOut4Life #DiningOutForLife

López Victorious in Slovakia Ring, FIA WTCC Race

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Apr 202016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that against all odds, José María “Pechito” López emerged victorious Saturday in the FIA WTCC meeting at the Slovakia Ring in a main race that was still undecided going into the final bend. The Citroën Total driver has established himself as the man to beat at the start of the 2016 season.

“I’m happy to be driving a Citroën that is so quick… and so solid!” enthused López after securing a second consecutive main-race win.

In accordance with the new regulations, the top ten from qualifying lined up in reverse order on the opening-race starting grid. That meant López began from eighth place. Mehdi Bennani made a sensational start from the front row to grab the lead. In the chasing pack, López and Yvan Muller also made headway, climbing to fifth and sixth place respectively by the end of lap one.

The two Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs remained locked together until lap 7, when López seized an opportunity to regain the upper hand. With three laps to go, Tiago Monteiro took the lead, with Bennani then having to devote his energy to keeping Rob Huff at bay until the checkered flag.

“The start of the main race was important. I got away perfectly and managed to take the lead,” López said. “I pushed hard to open up a bit of an advantage over the first two laps. Then I felt some major vibrations in the rear left of my car. Something was broken. The noise disappeared, then came back again. On all the right-hand turns, I thought I was going to have to pull out!”

The final lap also saw an impressive rally from Norbert Michelisz, who passed Muller before putting pressure on López. The Argentine held his nerve till the end to secure a second consecutive main-race win.

“Nick seemed to be struggling at the end,” he explained. “I managed to get past him, but it was really tight right down to the wire. That makes this win even more enjoyable.”

Tomorrow, the Citroën Total team will set off for Budapest. The third FIA World Touring Car Championship meeting of the 2016 season will take place at the Hungaroring on April 23 and 24.

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