Despite tremendous efforts from the Italian team, N.Technology was unable to take part in today's races for the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in Estoril, Portugal.  

Having suffered two engine failures yesterday, followed by further problems during warm-up this morning, the team was unable to repair the Honda Accord Euro R Super 2000 in time and therefore chose not to race in rounds 11 and 12.  

Running as high as second fastest during testing on Friday, eventually posting the eighth best time, N.Technology have shown steady progress since their first race outing with the Honda Accord Euro R Super 2000 in Valencia last May.  

The Italian outfit now hopes to show its true competitive form in two weeks time for British driver James Thompson's home rounds at Brands Hatch.  

James Thompson, car number 15 "The team worked throughout the night on the car and again this morning but unfortunately we were unable to fix it in time to take part in today's races. After showing such promise in testing two weeks ago and again on Friday, we are all understandably disappointed.  

"The next rounds take place at Brands Hatch, a track that I know extremely well and love racing at. Hopefully we will be luckier there. We have made some good progress in the last month and are due a good result soon!"  

Andrea Muller, Team Manager "The decision not to race was not taken lightly but there was simply not enough time to ensure the car would be competitive for today's races.  

"I'd like to thank the team and highlight their effort this weekend; they have worked exceptionally hard and it is a real shame that they were not rewarded with a chance to race."