2009 FIA WTCC Independents‘ Trophy winner Tom Coronel will switch to a SEAT León TDI for the new season. After four years at the wheel of petrol-powered SEAT León cars, the 37-year-old Dutchman will drive a turbodiesel machine run by SUNRED Engineering.
"I always said I wanted to have a diesel car. At last I managed to get one. With this car we can fight for podium places on a regular basis," said Coronel who faces his third season with the Spanish team.
"We have developed a great relationship. Of course they have close ties with SEAT Sport and their workshop is just around the corner. Therefore we have the opportunity to benefit from full technical support. With this package I have better chances than ever to score. I can’t wait for the season to start!" Coronel concluded.

The livery of Tom Coronel’s SEAT León TDI for the new season

The 2009 season of the FIA WTCC drew record viewing figures with a cumulative global audiences of 430 million different viewers according to the annual broadcast report published by independent German Institute IFM.
The 2009 audience figures represent an increase by 23% of ratings and a gain of 80 million viewers (over 350 million) compared to 2008.
Throughout the 2009 season, the WTCC was televised by 75 TV networks worldwide (50 free-to-air channels and 25 cable & satellite networks or pan-regional channels) in over 160 countries. The global TV coverage generated over 1,040 hours of dedicated broadcasts, a significant 15% increase.
The WTCC’s continuous growth in popularity and success has also resulted in an increase in event attendance with 761,000 spectators enjoying the races, while the website traffic generated 8.2 million page views.
Jacques Raynaud, Vice-Chairman of Eurosport Group and Eurosport Events commented: "The WTCC is now firmly established and perceived as a true motorsport World Championship and we are extremely satisfied to see how it continues to break audience records season after season. These outstanding viewing figures prove that the WTCC’s popularity is growing steadily and appeals to large, diversified audiences. This success results from the event’s format which is compact, dynamic and entertaining and the high standard television broadcast that has seen the introduction of our landmark production in native HD. Our continuous innovations and a permanently renewed suspense have contributed to boost audiences. We look forward to continuing our development in 2010 and working with all our stakeholders to deliver another successful year."

Last year the FIA WTCC attracted 430 million viewers over 75 TV channels worldwide

Macanese driver Ho Wai Kun, better known as Henry Ho, is due to join the 2010 FIA WTCC at mid season in a BMW 320si car run by the experienced Liqui Moly Team Engstler.
The 24-year-old Ho who claimed two Macau Touring Car Championship titles in 2008 and 2009, was in negotiations with the German outfit to find the budget for the whole season, after making his first WTCC appearances last year at Okayama and his home racetrack.
"It was one of my targets to build up a new team with Asian drivers. But same as in Europe, we had to face the financial crisis in Asia too and we failed to find the budget for the whole season. However, Ho Wai Kun will join us from the middle of the season," team mager Kurt Treml explained.
Liqui Moly Team Engstler are due to announce their driver line-up in the next few days.

Henry Ho plans a comeback after racing at Okayama and Macau in 2009

Like all the Swiss drivers, Alain Menu has not many opportunities to race in his home country. Despite a great motorsport tradition, Switzerland has no racing tracks and laws that limit motorsport to a few rallies and hill-climbing events.
However, Menu will have the chance to delight his home fans when he takes part in a demonstration at the Course Automobile de Romont, in the Fribourg canton on June 12^th and 13^th, driving a two-seater Chevrolet Cruze WTCC. The Geneva-born driver will be the guest of honor at the 40^th edition of this traditional event.
Before the start of the FIA WTCC season, Menu will carry out the final testing session in Valencia, on February 17^th and 18^th, alongside team mates Robert Huff and Yvan Muller.

England-based bamboo-engineering launched today their maiden campaign in the FIA World Touring car Championship. The team will field two Chevrolet Lacetti cars for drivers Harry Vaulkhard and Darryl O’Young who will be the first Chinese driver ever to take part in a full WTCC season.
O’Young, 29-years-old from Hong Kong, who won the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia twice in 2006 and 2008, said: "To be competing in an FIA World Championship has been one of my targets for many years now, so to be able to enter the WTCC is an amazing opportunity!"
Harry Vaulkhard, 24-years-old from Britain, has been a front-runner in the BTCC the last two seasons, after winning the Seat Cupra Cup in 2007. "The WTCC is where I’ve always aspired to be some day but to be honest this has come sooner than I expected. I have learnt so much in 2009 and I am really confident I can get some great results in 2010," he declared.
Team manager Richard Coleman explained: "We have a great driver line up: Harry showed last year in the BTCC and the ETCC what he can achieve. Darryl is a huge talent and once adapted to front wheel drive I expect him to be a regular podium contender in the Independents‘ Trophy."
Chevrolet Motorsport Manager Eric Nève commented: "This is the first time we see Chevrolet cars competing full-time in the Independents‘ Trophy, and we warmly welcome this development, as it demonstrates the level of confidence that top independent teams have on our products and racing services. We will follow closely the bamboo campaign and wish them all the best."

The bamboo-racing Chevrolet Lacetti cars of Harry Vaulkhard and Darryl O’Young