Yvan Muller claimed a stunning top-3 result in his first NASCAR Euro Series race in Valencia – The Frenchman keeps a return option open
- Yvan Muller made an unexpected championship debut in Valencia
- The French touring car legend finished on the podium on his very first race
- Muller was only scheduled to compete in Spain, but keeps his options open for the future
There was a surprise debutant amongst the pack of drivers that competed in the first round of the 2025 NASCAR Euro Series season in Spain. Yvan Muller, one of the best touring car drivers in history, made his championship debut as part of the M Racing team he owns. The Frenchman wowed fans with his driving skills, scoring a podium finish on debut thanks to a masterclass in defensive driving. Muller only had plans to race in the NASCAR GP Spain, but he made remarks that made people wonder about a possible return in the future.
Muller’s debut came unexpectedly due to a complication involving his nephew and fellow touring car star Yann Ehrlacher, who is scheduled to race the #34 Chevrolet Camaro in PRO. Ehrlacher is planning to race in both EuroNASCAR and the TCR World Tour, but TCR World Tour regulations state that their drivers aren’t allowed to race in tracks scheduled to host a TCR World Tour event in 2025. Circuit Ricardo Tormo happens to be one of them, so an agreement was made to let Muller compete as a substitute in Valencia.
Muller learned the car during Thursday’s Prologue, familiarizing enough with it to set a top-3 time in Friday’s free practice sessions. The 55-year old hadn’t raced competitively since 2022, but he showed quick adaptability to the unfamiliar V8 powered pure racing machines. “I discovered the car two days ago because I wasn’t planning to be in the car,” Muller said before Round 1. “I was more planning to manage the team, but it’s fun. It’s not easy because I haven’t raced for three years. I’m not in the driver mood anymore, but it comes back step by step.”
What followed is a legendary performance that will be remembered. Muller jumped past reigning champion Vittorio Ghirelli at the start and thwarted every single offense the Italian gave him. The Frenchman crossed the line in third place, securing a first podium in his first ever championship race. He joins a select few of drivers who finished on the podium right on their debut, joining the likes of Anthony Kumpen, Vladimiros Tziortzis and Paul Jouffreau. At the age of 55 years and 239 days, Muller also became the oldest PRO podium finisher in history.
This clearly showed that Muller still has what it takes to be one of the best in the world. The Frenchman then made an interesting remark after the race: “I can’t say it was fun because I was struggling with myself. I was making so many mistakes, I was not used to this kind of effort. I’m on the podium, the first time in this championship for the M Racing team, but I have to improve myself.”
Does this mean that Muller has tasted blood and is eager for more? For now, the answer remains a mystery. However, there’s this little hint that Muller gave before Round 2, a race where he finished in fourth: “Maybe I’ll be in the car from round 3 onwards, nothing is decided yet.” Is this a sign that Muller is open for another return in the future? Only time will tell.
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner
