THOMPSON FIFTH ON FIRST VISIT TO ANDERSTORP
N.Technology's James Thompson made a flying start to this weekend's FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) round at Anderstorp by setting fifth fastest time in Friday's wet half-hour test session.
Despite never having driven the Swedish circuit before, the 33-year-old was just half-a-second off the overall top time set by circuit specialist Fredrik Ekblom's BMW. With another local expert - Chevrolet newcomer Rickard Rydell - second fastest, Thompson was just two-tenths of a second off top WTCC regular Jorg Muller's BMW. Olivier Tielemans, car number 16Team-mate Olivier Tielemans, who had never driven the Alfa Romeo 156 in the wet before, used the session to acclimatise to the handling characteristics of the car and the unfamiliar track and was happy with his progress during the difficult session.
Andrea Muller, Team Manager
“In these wet conditions obviously local knowledge is a great advantage with Rydell and Ekblom fastest! What tomorrow will bring who knows - we're reliant on the conditions.”
James Thompson, car number 15
"When you come to a circuit for the first time and you're near the front straight away it's very encouraging, especially when carrying 20kg of success ballast... I've not driven the track before - and I've not driven the car at all for three weeks - so this is a good feeling to start the weekend with. I'm very positive for the weekend. The long straight should suit the strengths of the Alfa Romeo and I'm enjoying the circuit.”
Olivier Tielemans, car number 16
“It's my first time on this track and my first time driving this car in the wet ever, so it was very important to stay on the circuit and make the most of the track time. I was losing a fair bit of time under braking because I was being very careful and the changing conditions meant that the grip was different every lap. I have to say I like the track very much and am looking forward to qualifying."
FIA World Touring Car Championship
Anderstorp testing
1. Rickard Rydell (SWE), Chevrolet Lacetti, 1:51.895
2. Fredrik Ekblom (SWE), BMW 320si, 1:51.939
3. Jorg Muller (GER), BMW 320si, 1:52.205
4. Tiago Monteiro (POR), SEAT Leon, 1:52.363
5. James Thompson (GBR), Alfa Romeo 156, 1:52.403
6. Felix Porteiro (ESP), BMW 320si, 1:52.558
7. Andy Priaulx (GBR), BMW 320si, 1:52.659
8. Roberto Colciago (ITA), SEAT Leon, 1:52.663
9. Alex Zanardi (ITA), BMW 320si, 1:52.664
10. Gabriele Tarquini (ITA), SEAT Leon, 1:52.721
26. Olivier Tielemans (NED), Alfa Romeo 156, 1:56.145
Eurosport’s live WTCC coverage begins Saturday 28 July with qualifying at 15.00 (CET) followed by race one on Sunday at 11.40 (CET) and race two at 14:10 (CET).
