Archiv des Monats: Januar 2011

WTCC AUDIENCE IS SET TO BREAK THE HALF-BILLION WALL

Veröffentlicht am von
1

TV audience for the 2010 FIA World Touring Car Championship improved by ten percent compared to the previous season. The figures were unveiled by Eurosport Events, the championship promoter, following the annual broadcast report published by independent German Institute IFM.
Despite the championship was run on eleven events, one less than in 2009, audience figures of the WTCC HD programmes during the 2010 season recorded a gain of 40 million viewers compared to the previous year.
During 900 hours of coverage, the cumulative global reach totalled to 470 million viewers worldwide, against the record figure of 430 millions achieved in 2009.
Especially good performances were delivered by free-to-air channels in Germany (RTL) and Japan (TXN network, which includes TV Tokyo and TV Osaka).
Overall, 51% of broadcast duration has been delivered in Asia, whereas Europe still represents 65% of cumulative audience.
The TV distribution of WTCC is increasing year after year, with 86 channels under contract in 2010. Eurosport, the "host broadcaster" of WTCC and its live coverage throughout Europe and Asia Pacific, reached 38.9 million different viewers. Eurosport’s viewership now represents less than 9 per cent of WTCC’s worldwide cumulated audience. An evidence that WTCC TV coverage is steadily expanding all around the world.
Ulrich Lacher, managing director of IFM, commented: "Despite the FIFA World Cup was dominating sports global coverage for about two months, the WTCC continued to grow just like in the previous years. This was due to the growing popularity as a result of the good TV distribution of the series, which has made its way onto a number of major national networks in key motorsport markets like Japan, USA, China and Germany."
WTCC can now look at another record breaking season in 2011, with the conservative aim of exceeding the symbolic mark of half-billion viewers.


2010 was another record season for WTCC TV audience

TARQUINI AND DUDUKALO TESTED AT LLEIDA
Only a few days afther they tested in Barcelona last week, SUNRED Engineering moved to Lleida, located in the middle of Catalunya region, for another test session.
Gabriele Tarquini and Russian youngster Aleksey Dudukalo shared testing duties for two days with very low temperatures.
"We had to work hard on the set up to compensate the cold. The team focused to help Aleksey in getting to know the car and Gabriele’s support was crucial as he showed him all the secrets to drive the SEAT León Tdi at a fast and effective pace," team engineer Conrado Avila explained.
Dudukalo completed the two-day testing without any mechanical or driving problem.  
"We were very pleased with the job Aleksei and Gabriele have done at Lleida and now we can focus on preparing cars and parts for the shipping to Brazil," Avila concluded.


Gabriele Tarquini and Aleksei Dudukalo tested this week in Lleida, Spain

www.fiawtcc.com

Nelson Panciatici joins the KMP Racing team

Veröffentlicht am von
1

Nelson_Panciatici_et_Bruno_Besson

Nelson Panciatici has joined the Franco-Russian KMP Racing team for the World Series by Renault Formula 3.5 championship.

Having spent a year with Lotus Junior Racing, the French driver, 22, Spanish vice-champion of Formula 3 in 2008, is ready to step into the fray and fight for the title.

“I improved all through last year and I learnt a lot. I feel pretty confident now that I can go for the title this year,” says Nelson Panciatici.

“To start with, I’m going to have to win some races. To be a KMP Racing driver gives me that opportunity and I’m going to work hard to maximise my chance of success. I got to appreciate the quality of the team’s work during the winter trials and I’ve already picked up a few “tricks” with regards to the car’s performance. Even though you never know how a new season is going to pan out, I feel quietly confident.

Not only do I have technical staff who know the discipline, I also have Bruno to give me sound advice. It is a real bonus to have an ex-pilot at the head of a team because they know what we need to go fast. I’m going to make the most of this opportunity and I want to thank the team for putting their trust in me.”

Bruno Besson, Team Manager of the KMP Racing team, says : “I followed Nelson’s progress closely all of last year and he fits our ethos perfectly. We got to know each other better during the winter trials, he’s a “winner” and I like that quality. Nelson has the skill to finish in the top three of the Drivers’ Championship. However, it is a very competitive championship and one can lose ten places for a small one or two tenths of a second in the qualifiers. Hard work and success will be key to take the title.”

Nelson Panciatici has applied himself really hard physically and mentally to prepare for what could be a landmark season. His main objective will be to win the title, how he gels with the team will be decisive to get to pole position, without which one cannot hope to win!

For more information on Nelson Panciatici, please visit: www.nelsonpancia.com


Join Nelson’s Fan Club on Facebook !

Thiemo Storz to make Formula Two bow in 2011

Veröffentlicht am von
1

German confirms participation in F2’s third season following positive debut in winter testing

Thiemo%20Storz

Germany’s Thiemo Storz will contest his maiden season in international single seater racing after becoming the latest name to be confirmed for the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship.

Storz has enjoyed success in a wide variety of series since making his single seater debut in 2008 – including a dominant campaign in the 2009 Formula 2000 Light Italy series, where he claimed nine wins, ten podiums and 11 poles from the 11 races.

Still only 19, Storz elected to sit out much of the 2010 season in order to prepare for his final exams. He did however test in a multitude of championships in order to assess his options for 2011, including a successful spell in Formula Palmer Audi where he finished second behind champion Nigel Moore in his maiden race at Rockingham. He gained his first experience of the Williams JPH1B F2 car when he joined all four days of winter testing at Portimão and Barcelona at the end of 2010.

"Formula Two is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I’m very excited to be joining," Storz said. "It’s a quality championship, with a great car, fantastic calendar and very good price, and I’m very happy to be a part of it this year.

"In 2010 I didn’t do much racing mainly because I was focussing on my education, but I did use the time to test in a lot of series to find a solution for 2011 and we came across F2. I feel it is the perfect moment for me to join, and also the perfect moment for F2 in motorsport – if you look at the prize, the price and what the championship offers you, its absolutely one of the best series in the world for young drivers like me!

"It’s a bit difficult to know exactly how I’ll get on in 2011, but winter testing gave me a lot of confidence in the car and I was constantly around the top ten, so it would be good to repeat that kind of performance during the season. There are some great events, especially racing at the Nürburgring which for me will be very special, and I hope to keep improving throughout the year so that I can be fighting for podiums at the end."

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: "Thiemo did a fantastic job when he first raced with us in Formula Palmer Audi in 2010 when I was impressed with his pace and competitiveness from the very start.  Although some may think F2 is a big step for Thiemo, we have seen time and again how the total equivalence of car performance in F2 and ability to learn rapidly by comparison with the fastest enables relatively inexperienced drivers to be very close to front running pace, often surprising and impressing with their results.  I have no doubt Thiemo will do just that in F2 during 2011.”

www.formulatwo.com

Jubiläums-Engagement beim ‚Ball des Sports 2011’

Veröffentlicht am von
1

Wiesbaden. Europas erfolgreichste Sport-Benefiz-Gala, der ‚Ball des Sports’, findet am 5. Februar erneut in den Wiesbadener Rhein-Main-Hallen statt. In diesem Jahr unterstützt die DTM bereits zum fünften Mal in Folge die Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe bei der Ausrichtung dieses exklusiven Abends.
„Die DTM ist nun seit fünf Jahren Partner der Deutschen Sporthilfe im Rahmen des ‚Ball des Sports’ und leistet alljährlich einen bemerkenswerten Beitrag. Allein durch die Unterstützung unserer Förderer ist es überhaupt möglich, eine nationale Veranstaltung auf einem solch hohen Niveau durchzuführen. Ich freue mich sehr, dass wir auch künftig mit dieser Partnerschaft rechnen können und sich die DTM als erfolgreiches internationales Motorsportformat für Sportarten außerhalb der Rennstrecke engagiert“, so Dr. Michael Ilgner, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe. Seit 2007 übernimmt die populärste internationale Tourenwagenserie mit dem ‚DTM Race Club’ die Organisation der offiziellen After-Show-Party im Rahmen der Veranstaltung.
Bei diesem gesellschaftlichen Ereignis dürfen natürlich auch DTM-Piloten nicht fehlen: So werden sich Timo Scheider (Audi) und seine Lebensgefährtin Jessica Hinterseer, Martin Tomczyk (Audi) und seine Verlobte Christina Surer sowie die Mercedes-Benz-Piloten Jamie Green und Gary Paffett unter die illustre Ball-Gesellschaft mischen. Neben den DTM-Fahrern der beiden Premium-Automobilhersteller wird auch der ITR e.V. (DTM-Rechteinhaber und Vermarkter) gleich durch mehrere Vorstände in Wiesbaden vertreten: Hans Werner Aufrecht, Dr. Thomas Betzler und Jürgen Pippig sind bei der 41. Auflage des ‚Ball des Sports’ mit von der Partie. „Uns war es schon immer ein Anliegen als erfolgreiche Rennserie auch soziale Verantwortung zu übernehmen und diesbezüglich Engagement zu zeigen. Ich kann schon jetzt mitteilen, dass wir unsere Unterstützung der Deutschen Sporthilfe in Zukunft noch einmal intensivieren werden“, verrät Dr. Thomas Betzler, Vorstand für Recht und Finanzen beim ITR e.V.
Die Schirmherrschaft für den Ball unter dem Motto „Bewegende Momente“ übernimmt in diesem Jahr erstmals Bundespräsident Christian Wulff. Erwartet werden namhafte Gäste aus Sport, Politik, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft. Angekündigt haben sich u.a. Franziska van Almsick, Rainer Calmund, Felix Magath, Matthias Steiner, Hans-Joachim Stuck, unzählige Top-Athleten der verschiedensten Sportarten sowie zahlreiche Bundes- und Landespolitiker. Durch den Abend führt traditionell Johannes B. Kerner. Musikalisches Highlight wird die Mitternachtsshow im großen Ballsaal: Unter dem Synonym „Alive & Swingin’“ haben sich Xavier Naidoo, Sasha, Rea Garvey (Reamonn) und Michael Mittermeier zusammengetan, um einen Tribut an das berühmte „Rat Pack“ der 60er Jahre zu zollen.
Parallel zum Programm im großen Saal öffnet ab 22:00 Uhr die Erlebniswelt der Veranstaltungs-Partner und lädt zum Flanieren ein. Seinen Abschluss findet die Nacht der ‚Bewegenden Momente’ dann im ‚DTM Race Club’, wo alle Ballgäste etwas Rennatmosphäre schnuppern können.

www.dtm.com

Jolyon Palmer graduates to GP2 with Arden

Veröffentlicht am von
1

2010 F2 runner-up to partner Josef Král for GP2 Asia and Main Series campaigns

Jolyon1

2010 FIA Formula Two Championship runner-up Jolyon Palmer will graduate to GP2 for the forthcoming season after signing a deal to contest both the Asia and Main Series championships with Arden International.

Palmer’s progression into GP2 follows an outstanding campaign in Formula Two in which he claimed five race wins and ten podiums, and remained in contention for the title until the final round of the year. He also recorded the most successful weekend of any driver, taking a superb two pole positions and two race wins at Monza in May.

Jolyon, who only recently turned 20, has previous experience of GP2 having joined the series‘ official winter tests at Abu Dhabi in November last year – where he impressed by regularly breaking into the top ten despite being one of the youngest drivers in the field. Arden meanwhile have a proud history in GP2, having won races in every year of the F1-feeder series’ history.

"I’m really excited to be joining the Arden GP2 Team for 2011, and I can’t wait for the season to start," Jolyon enthused. "It’s obviously going to be very tough, as indeed it should be, but Arden are a very good team who have won races in every year of GP2 and I’m confident I can do a good job.

"It’s going to be difficult, because last year in F2 I was one of the more experienced guys and now I’m a rookie again in a series with some of the world’s best young drivers, but given time and experience I hope I can be challenging at the very sharp end. I wouldn’t have entered if I didn’t believe in myself and you can’t improve unless you’re competing against the top drivers in the world, so I’m looking forward to rising to the challenge.

"I feel confident that two seasons of Formula Two have given me a very good grounding and really helped me develop as a driver, especially through the data sharing concept which really is the best way for young drivers to learn.

"Now I really need to reward the faith shown in me by Arden through my performances – I need to be on it from the outset and start the Main Series on the right foot. Ultimately my goal is Formula One, and with a lot of hard work, application and of course results hopefully that will be a realistic possibility for me."

Arden founder Mr Horner commented: "We are delighted to have Josef and Jolyon join our team for GP2 Asia and Main Series in 2011. Both drivers are young but have a lot of talent, which I’m sure we will see throughout the year. Despite Josef’s modest attendance in GP2 last year, he has shown a good understanding of the GP2 car and collaborated well with the team during the Abu Dhabi test. Jolyon demonstrated strength during the post-season tests and will no doubt be a front-running rookie. We look forward to a successful year together."

Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: "I am obviously delighted Jolyon will be racing in GP2 this year with Arden. His strong rookie GP2 testing performance in Abu Dhabi was sufficiently encouraging to Jolyon, the GP2 teams and me to demonstrate that F2 is not only very competitive but also provides excellent experience to lead directly to GP2 for a young driver. It is clearly going to be a big challenge and I’m sure like most drivers he will need several seasons to reach his peak. Arden is great team for Jolyon to be with; they have a great history and proven ability to help drivers develop."

www.formulatwo.com

Pedro Vallcaneras – Renovación con el Ymes Folch Endurance

Veröffentlicht am von
Antworten

El piloto balear Pedro Vallcaneras ha renovado con el Ymes Folch Endurance, equipo con el que ha participado en el Mundial de Resistencia en el 2010, consiguiendo como mejor resultado la tercera posición en el Bol d’Or, una prueba de 24 horas celebrada el circuito de Magny Cours (Francia), el pasado 11 de septiembre. Tras puntuar en tres de las seis pruebas de las que contaba el certamen, el equipo que dirige José Mª Folch consiguió acabar en la séptima posición final. Otro resultado digno de mención, es la segunda posición en las 6 Horas de Bahreim, una prueba fuera del calendario, pero que contó con la presencia de los mejores equipos del Mundial de Resistencia.

El calendario del 2011 constará de seis pruebas, dos de 24, tres de 8 y una de 6 horas. La temporada comenzará el 16 de abril con las 24 horas Bol d’Or, continuando con la cita española, las 8 Horas de Albacete el 21 de mayo. Suzuka será el escenario de la tercera prueba, el 31 de julio, mientras que el 21 de agosto se celebrarán las 6 Horas de Donington, una prueba de corta duración que hará su estreno en este certamen. En septiembre se celebrarán las 24 Horas de Le Mans, para acabar el campeonato dos meses después con las 8 Horas de Doha Qatar.

Pedro Vallcaneras ya ha comenzado una exhaustiva preparación para llegar en óptimas condiciones a la primera carrera, aunque antes, en breves semanas, el Ymes Folch Endurance celebrará unos test’s para poner toda "la maquinaria" a punto.

!cid_F0795C4D-67D8-44E2-A7FA-8C979ED9AD54@Belkin pedrovall

Koldo Zuazaga – Ferbis Press

MNL: Planificando la Temporada 2011

Veröffentlicht am von
1

 

La Escudería Mallorca New Limit, dirigida por Luis Borrás, tiene prácticamente cerrada la planificación de la Temporada 2011, a falta de cerrar algunos contratos, tanto de esponsorización como posibles incorporaciones de pilotos.

La participación de la escudería balear en el Campeonato de España de Velocidad estaría en dos frentes, en la categoría de Stock-Extreme con Alfonso Alcaide y en 125GP, en caso de que fructifiquen unas negociaciones que están en curso. En cinco de las citas del CEV se celebrarán carreras de la Copa Kawasaki Ninja Cup, en la que estará presente Ángel Poyatos con una ZX-6R, con la asistencia técnica de MNL.

Alfonso Alcaide y Ángel Poyatos participaron en el 2010 en el CEV, en Stock-Extreme y 125GP respectivamente, y aunque no consiguieron ningún punto, acumularon una gran experiencia de cara a futuros compromisos.

La participación de Miquel Pons en la escudería todavía no está confirmada, pero en el caso de continuar sería participando en el MotoDes, en la categoría de PreGP 125, con serias opciones a luchar por el título, tras acabar la temporada pasada en la 8ª posición.

Seguiremos informando.

 

Koldo Zuazaga – Ferbis Press

EL RALLY CLÁSICO MAS ANIMADO QUE NUNCA

Veröffentlicht am von
1

20110122062101

Ya está en marcha la séptima edición del Rally Clásico Isla Mallorca y este año viene cargada de importantes novedades y una gran variedad de coches que le darán un color especial a este 2011.
Ya tenemos 50 equipos inscritos entre los que encontramos muchos amigos de años anteriores y también algunos participantes nuevos que vienen a la isla para descubrir el que ya está considerado como uno de los mejores Rallyes Clásicos de Europa.
Como adelanto, os infomramos un coche muy especial que participará en el Rally como coche 0 ya que es un modelo nuevo que no está todavía a la venta, aunque hará emocionarse a los amantes de los coches clásicos de competición. Estamos hablando del Nuevo Stratos, la espectacular re-edición de uno de los coches de rallyes más importantes y exitosos de los años 70.
Además de contar con la primera unidad fabricada de este nuevo Stratos, en la que será su primera aparición en un rallye, contaremos con un Lancia Stratos de 1974 participando en la categoría de Competición. Dos Stratos separados por 36 años de historia rodarán por las carreteras de Mallorca durante los días 10, 11 y 12 de Marzo.
600 Kms. de Rally divididos en un total de catorce tramos que recorrerán diferentes puntos de la isla durante las tres etapas. Comenzando con dos tramos nocturnos en la primera jornada y seis tramos en cada etapa siguiente.
En los próximos días colgaremos en la página web oficial del Rally más información, horarios, tramos, cierres de carretera y lista definitiva de participantes.

DSC_6889 

Rally Clásico Isla Mallorca
Departamento prensa
C/ Reina Constanza esquina Jeroni Pou     07006 Palma de Mallorca
Tel. 00 34 971 29 13 21     Mov. 00 34 616 99 26 87
prensa@rallyislamallorca.com    http://www.rallyislamallorca.com

La Escola de Son Moix en la Diada de Sant Sebastià

Veröffentlicht am von
1

La Escola Municipal de Motociclisme de Palma, que gestiona el IME del Ajuntament de Palma y la Federació Balear de Motociclisme ha participado en la Diada 4X4 de Sant Sebastià, que se ha celebrado este domingo 23 de enero en Ca l’Ardiaca, en las inmediaciones de la calle General Riera de Palma. Esta exhibición, en la que han participado 55 alumnos, 40 de motocross y 15 de trial, se ha desarrollado de forma impecable, con una climatología casi perfecta, en una mañana soleada aunque un poco fría. El acto ha contado con la asistencia de Maribel González, Regidora d’Eportes del Ajuntament de Palma y Presidenta del IME y del piloto Dani Clos, piloto de la GP2 Series. Agradecer al club organizador de la diada, 4X4 Mallorca y a Jaime López, la invitación a esta Diada, que ha permitido a la FBM y al IME mostrar al numeroso público asistente el trabajo de base que realizamos.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Koldo Zuazaga – Ferbis Press – FBM

DuWo-Racing auf dem Podium in Dubai

Veröffentlicht am von
1

Auch bei seiner dritten Teilnahme bei den 24h Dubai sah DuWo-Racing die Zielflagge. Allerdings musste der Luxemburger Rennstall bei der sechsten Ausgabe des Marathons am Persischen Golf schon früh erkennen, dass keine Geschenke gemacht würden. Schon im freien Training am Mittwoch wurde Nicolas Schmit von einem Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3 von Black Falcon getroffen. Die Mechaniker mussten neben Blecharbeiten im Heckbereich auch den Querlenker und die rechte Gelenkwelle austauschen. In der Addition der beiden Qualifikationen am Donnerstag wurde DuWo-Racing (BMW 130i), bestehend aus Jean-Marie Dumont, den Franzosen Fred. und Nicolas Schmit sowie Antoine Orel und dem Engländer Daniel Jones, als 69. bei 84 Startern geführt.

DuWo-Team%202011

Schon nach 80’ Minuten-Renndauer erwischte es Fred. Schmit, er hatte mehreren schnelleren Fahrzeugen Platz gemacht und wurde trotzdem angerempelt, dabei ging die vordere rechte Felge zu Bruch. Später entschuldigte der Übeltäter sich für dieses ungestüme Manöver, er hatte sich beim Anbremsen der Kurve verschätzt und hatte Schmit nicht mehr ausweichen können. Nach zwölf Stunden Renndauer war DuWo-Racing auf Platz 44 gelegen, allerdings hatte es keine ruhige Nacht verbracht. Gleich fünfmal hatte es Feindberührung mit gegnerischen Autos gehabt, dabei war jedes Mal eine Felge zerstört worden. In den Morgenstunden machte man sich im Team denn auch Sorgen ob der Vorrat an Rädern reichen würde. Doch dann kehrte Ruhe eine, lediglich ein Plattfuss und eine Strafe (104“) wegen zu schnellen Fahrens von Orel in der Boxengasse störten den Rhythmus leicht. Nach 24 Stunden wurde DuWo-Racing auf Platz 35 abgewinkt und wurde Sieger in der Klasse der Drei-Liter-Fahrzeuge.

Der Sieg ging auf dem Autodrome Dubai ging an Augusto Farfus, Edward Sandström, Tommy Milner und Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3)

!cid_Dubai2011

D.W.R.

DIADA 4×4 SANT SEBASTIA 2011

Veröffentlicht am von
1

DSC_0005 DSC_0021

EL CIRCUITO DE CA L’ARDICA ESCENARIO DE LA FIESTA DEL 4×4

140 vehículos y más de 3000 espectadores se dieron cita en la X Diada 4×4 Sant Sebastiá 2011.

El Domingo 23 de Enero se dio luz verde a la X DIADA 4X4 SANT SEBASTIÁ 2010 en el circuito de Ca l’Ardiaca, con motivo de las fiestas patronales de Palma.

Organizado por el Club 4×4 Mallorca y con la colaboración del Club ½ Milla, se diseñaron dos circuitos con diferentes niveles de dificultad.

El circuito de 4×4 lucio radiante bajo un sol de justicia recibiendo a conductores y vehículos de toda Baleares. El tiempo acompaño y los participantes pudieron disfrutar de cinco horas de rampas, inclinaciones, cruces de puentes, vadeos, pozas de barro y bajadas vertiginosas. La diada finalizo con una "jugosa" prueba de subida de rampa que tenía como premio un jamón para el  primero que lograra llegar hasta arriba. Fue el colofón de una gran fiesta que hizo las delicias de conductores y público en general.

El piloto de la GP2 Series, Dani Clos, por un día cambio el monoplaza por su 4×4. Demostró su habilidad al volante y no paro de atender al gran numero de fans que tiene en nuestras islas antes de iniciar su gira por Asia donde competirá por ganar la GP2 Series, antesala de la Formula 1.

Como complemento al 4×4, los alumnos de la Escuela de Federació de Motociclisme hicieron varias exhibiciones con sus minimotos. Un circuito de Cross y otro de Trial mostraron las habilidades de las jóvenes promesas del motociclismo Balear.

Todas las expectativas se superaron con creces y en esta edición fueron 140 vehículos los que participaron. Según las estimaciones de las autoridades se llegaron a congregar más de 3.000 espectadores.

El Ajuntament de Palma representado por M. Isabel González, Regidora de Esports y Presidenta del IME quiso estar presente para dar su apoyo a esta iniciativa y disfrutar de una jornada junto a todos los amantes del 4×4 llegados de toda la geografía Balear.

Para David Codina, organizador de la Diada 4×4 “hoy hemos disfrutado como nunca de la fiesta del 4×4. Nuestro objetivo se ha cumplido, mucha gente por primera vez ha podido ver lo que es capaz de hacer su vehículo y sobre todo disfrutar del compañerismo que existe entre todos los aficionados al Todo Terreno.”

El Club 4×4 Mallorca quiere comunicar que en el Circuito de Ca l’Ardiaca, una vez finalizada la diada con los pertinentes permisos municipales, no se permite circular con vehículos a motor quedando cerrado para su uso.

4×4 Mallorca
GSM: +34 629855147
EMAIL: 4x4mallorca@gmail.com
WEB: www.4x4mallorca.com

DSC_0050 DSC_0039 DSC_0062 DSC_0200 DSC_0144

mas Fotos en el Album

CHEVROLET, SEAT AND VOLVO TESTED IN SPAIN

Veröffentlicht am von
1

Three WTCC Volvo teams spent two days testing at Barcelona’s Catalunya Circuit.
Chevrolet used two Cruze 1.6 Turbo cars driven by Rob Huff and Yvan Muller; SUNRED ran two SEAT León TDi cars with Gabriele Tarquini, Tiago Monteiro, Pepe Oriola and Paul Ip from Hong King alternating at the wheel; Polestar tested with two Volvo C30 cars fitted with the 2.0L normally aspirated engines for Robert Dahlgren and James Thompson.
The weather was bright, but cold over the two days.

SUCCESSFUL LAST TEST FOR CHEVROLET
Chevrolet completed their last test before shipping the cars to Brazil. Muller and Huff were indefatigable covering as more kilometres as possible with the Cruze fitted with the new 1.6-litre turbo engine.
"I feel quite good in the car although I have done only four days of testing so far, which is not enough when you have to cope with a new car and new regulations. With the turbo engine the Chevrolet is now very similar to the SEAT turbo diesel in terms of driveability and set up," said Muller.
Development engineer Darren Revens explained: "We are very happy with how this test has gone. With the new regulations, reliability is the key, because the engine must last for a minimum of nine events. Therefore we have focused on making it reliable. Here in Barcelona we managed to cover a fair distance without any major drama. So far so good!"


Rob Huff’s Chevrolet Cruze during the test at Barcelona

DAHLGREN AND THOMPSON WORK TOGETHER AT VOLVO
Polestar Racing officially started Volvo’s approach to the WTCC testing at Barcelona. The Swedish team conducted a comparative test between the C30 that Dahlgren will drive in the WTCC opening in Brazil and the sister car that will be used by Thompson in Scandinavia.
"We are all excited and keen to develop the car during our first season in the World Championship. We still have a lot work to do, especially on the new turbo engine. We are looking forward to start using it as soon as it will be possible, though we still don’t know when this will happen," Dahlgren commented.
Track engineer Per Blomberg explained: "The first issue for us is to adapt to the WTCC tracks that are much faster than those we are used to in Sweden. This is why we have asked Thompson to join this test and help us in setting up the car."

Dahlgren shares impressions with Thompson and engineer Per Blomberg

DIFFERENT GENERATIONS TOGETHER AT SUNRED
With the plan to run again six cars in 2011, SUNRED Engineering used the test in Barcelona for checking the performance with Tarquini and Monteiro and also to give young rookie Oriola the opportunity to get used to the SEAT León TDi.
"We will start the season with the turbo diesel cars, but we are working to develop a 1.6-litre turbo engine and we will start using it as soon as possible. At least on some of our six cars," said team principal Joan Orús adding. "We will run six cars again. It will be interesting, with two young drivers like Oriola and Aleksei Dudukalo, two former rookies like Fredy Barth and Michel Nykjær and – hopefully – two experienced guys like Tarquini and Monteiro."


Tarquini and Oriola shared driving duties in the SEAT León TDi

ORIOLA IS READY TO LEARN FROM THE BEST
16-year old Spaniard Pepe Oriola, the youngest driver ever to join WTCC, is excited after his first proper test in a WTCC car.
"I’m really happy. This is a great opportunity for me after only two seasons of car racing. Obviously all the drivers in the championship have more experience than I do, but I’m not especially worried. And I’m confident that I can learn a lot during my first season in the World Championship working together team-mates like Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro," said Oriola.

Tarquini and Oriola shared driving duties in the SEAT León TDi

ENGSTLER AND POULSEN JOIN FORCES
Franz Engstler and Kristian Poulsen will be team-mates again in the 2011 FIA WTCC, just like in 2009. They will both race at the wheel of BMW 320 TC cars fitted with the new 1.6-litre turbo engine and run by the Liqui Moly Team Engstler in cooperation with Poulsen Motorsport.
"We are happy to re-establish the cooperation with Kristian and his team. We are confident that this will give us good chances to successfully fight for the independent title once again," Team manager Kurt Treml said.
Engstler and Poulsen have already started the season together, taking part last Saturday in the Dubai 24 Hour race at the wheel of the new Liqui Moly BMW Z4, with little luck though as they were delayed by a technical problem while in fourth position. In 2010 they classified second (Engstler) and third (Poulsen) in the WTCC Independents‘ Trophy.

www.fiawtcc.com