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Yvan Muller: Monza domination unexpected

Yvan Muller admits he had not expected to start the 2013 World Touring Car Championship in such dominant fashion

The three-time champion, competing in a Chevrolet Cruze but without works backing, recorded only his fourth ever perfect weekend in the series at Monza after following up pole position with two assured victories.

Muller said a winter of uncertainty and the arrival of new works teams like Honda meant he had not anticipated such a strong opening to his campaign.

"We spent so much energy since Chevrolet pulled out to put this programme up, and still one month ago we were far away," Muller said.

"Victory was not easy because of the particular conditions. [In the second race] I was very focused on not taking risks and I wasn't looking for the win, just the top five.

"Step by step though I didn't make any mistakes and that's why I could overtake, just using the opportunity of mistakes in front of me.

"We were always good at Monza, so maybe we have to see after Marrakech when it gets a bit more twisty, but even so I was a bit surprised."

Muller also echoed Gabriele Tarquini's sentiment that Honda may have gone backwards, saying he expected more of a challenge from the Japanese marque.

"I was expecting [Honda] to be a bit better, but I am sure they will be there soon," he said.

"I think compared to Macau I don't have the feeling they progressed a lot, which is a surprise. I was expecting a bit better than that."

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