The WTCC Race of Spain was officially launched yesterday at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo in a meeting for the local media.
The press was welcomed Luis Lobón Secretary for Tourism and Strategic Projects of the Comunidad Valenciana, Julio García the circuit’s General Manager, WTCC promoter Marcello Lotti and Eurosport Events‘ Director of Operations Jean-Louis Dauger.
Later the journalists met a representative of WTCC drivers – Alain Menu, Robert Dahlgren and home boys Javier Villa and Pepe Oriola – and experienced the thrill of a ride in a racing car on board of Menu’s Chevrolet Cruze and Oriola’s SUNRED León.
Launch of the WTCC Race of Spain at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo
ORIOLA GIVES A RIDE TO VALENCIA’S POLITICIAN
Among the guests who enjoyed hot laps on board of WTCC racing cars during yesterday’s media day at Valencia, there was the Secretary for Tourism and Strategic Projects of the Comunidad Valenciana, Luis Lobón.
After completing a hot lap in Pepe Oriola’s SUNRED León, Mr Lobón said: "It was a great experience! You watch these cars racing on TV, but you don’t have an idea of the performance they can deliver until you have the occasion to ride in one of them on a real race track. I was very impressed and I am also very proud that the Comunidad Valenciana is home to the WTCC Race of Spain."
Did you know that your driver was only 17-years old? "Actually I did not before getting into his car. In any case he struck me with his confidence and control of the car. Therefore I was not surprised when he explained afterwards that in spite of his young age he has always built five years of racing experience."
Luis Lobón ready for having a ride in Pepe Oriola’s SUNRED León
WTCC TO HIT THE TRACK ON SATURDAY
Track action for the WTCC drivers will start tomorrow, Saturday.
The two 30-minute free practice session will take place at 9.00 and 11.30.
The 30-minute qualifying session will follow in the afternoon: all drivers will take part in Q1 from 14.30 to 14.50 and then the fastest ten will be allowed to take part in Q2 for from 14.55 to 15.05.
The qualifying session will be aired live on Eurosport 2.