The Argentinian put in a determined drive in Race One and led the initial running, eventually finishing third.
From second on the grid, Esteban launched into the lead on the run to the first corner and held the advantage on the opening lap until the polesitter barged his way back past at the final corner while taking to the grass.
Esteban ultimately finished third, registering his third podium finish of the season, before a measured drive to sixth place in Race Two.
He will therefore head to the final round of the season 37 points off the lead, with a maximum of 60 available at the Sochi Autodrom season finale in three weeks’ time.
Team-mate Nestor Girolami did an effective job in Race One, eventually bringing his ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport Civic Type R TCR home in eighth place.
‘Bebu’ then made a stunning start from the third row of the grid in Race Two to run fourth, but his hopes were soon ended by two impacts in quick succession.