Alfa Romeo Racing have officially withdrawn Gabriele Tarquini’s car from the final event of the FIA World Touring Car Championship in Macau. The Italian’s Alfa Romeo 156 was involved in a dramatic shunt yesterday during the qualifying session, smashing into the wall at Turn 16, bouncing back and being collected by Rickard Rydell’s SEAT León. Although he was hospitalized for a check, Tarquini who had posted the fourth fastest time, suffered only from a sore neck and shoulder. However his car was not repairable

Ford Hotfiel’s driver Michael Funke, who had qualified in 23rd position will be dropped ten positions on the grid as the team applied for an engine change.

Four drivers in the 31-field did not qualify for the race. Ao Chi Hong did not manage to post a qualifying time as he crashed his BMW 320i at the Fisherman’s bend during his first flying lap. Japanese Hironori Takeuchi (Toyota Altezza), Paul Poon (BMW 320i) and Lo Ka Fai (SEAT Toledo), both from Hong Kong, remained well above the qualifying maxima and the Stewards of the Meeting rejected the requests for being allowed to race lodged by their respective teams.