Muller, Tarquini cleared to race
World Touring Car title rivals Yvan Muller and Gabriele Tarquini have both been cleared to race at Macau tomorrow, following their accident in qualifying on Friday
Both drivers were taken to hospital after their high-speed impact when Muller spun on cement dust and was hit by Tarquini. But they were discharged on Friday evening with no serious injuries and passed fitness tests at the circuit on Saturday.
"Physically I feel a bit stiff, but fortunately we have had one day to recover so I hope that tomorrow I wake up a little bit better," said Tarquini.
"The car was destroyed so I thought it was impossible to make the races but the mechanics said not to worry and they repaired it."
Muller said: "I am able to race. I feel well but for some muscular pains, I fold but I don't break. Macau is impossible to predict so I don't like to guess what might happen tomorrow."
Both cars were repaired through the night and the engine in Tarquini's was changed. He will not be penalised because the regulations allow engine changes after big accidents.
"Gabriele's car was not so bad," said SEAT Sport technical director Benoit Bagur. "Yvan's had suffered more substantial damage, especially at the rear. We had to take out the roll cage to repair the chassis. But both cars are like new now."
Tarquini lies two points ahead of Muller heading into Sunday's showdown, with BMW's Augusto Farfus another 11 behind.
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