Zhang Zhendong from Shanghai Volkswagen 333 Racing turns a corner during the 2017 Sinopec China Touring Car Championship at Shanghai Tianma Circuit on July 9. [Photo/en.sheshantravel.gov.cn]

Zhang continued his fine form into the second race before finding himself undermined by an unfortunate accident which set him back in the field. Despite slipping down the field, Zhang battled ferociously and clawed his way back and passed 10 drivers on his way to second place. In the process, Zhang helped his team grab the Manufactures Trophy and narrowed the gap to Chang'an Ford Racing Team on the team scoreboard.

Ultimately, Zhu Hu'an from BAIC Senova Racing pulled through at the head of the pack in what is being claimed as a strong performance from Chinese car manufacturers. Zhen Zhuowei from Chang'an Ford Racing Team took third place.

In the China Cup group, GAC-Totoya Team turned in a stunning performance with the team's driver Liu Yang overpowering all before him in the first race, thereby becoming the first driver to win more than 100 points on the individual scoreboard. In the second race of the competition, Liu's teammates Lin Lifeng and Zhang Hanbiao made late surges to perform a clean sweep of the podium, helping to extend Toyota's lead to more than 30 points.

The 2017 Sinopec China Touring Car Championship drivers sign authographs for enthusiastic motorsport fans at Shanghai Tianma Circuit on July 9. [Photo/en.sheshantravel.gov.cn]

The touring car tournament was a real treat for devotees of the sport and with Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong's respective television stations all broadcasting the action more people than ever before are tuning in for one of China's premier motoring events. Additionally, internet service providers Tencent and Letv have furthered accessibility by streaming the sport online.

The 2017 CTCC will now take a break after the Sheshan stage and reconvene on August 5 and 6 at Shanghai International Circuit.