N.Technology Alfa Romeo heads to this year’s final FIA World Touring Car Championship rounds in Macau with a fighting chance of winning the title with lead-driver James Thompson.
Following his double win at Valencia, Spain, the double British Touring Car Champion has been a regular top finisher in the second half of the season; adding a further five podiums to his tally and climbing to fourth in the drivers standings.
Still the top scorer in the last eight WTCC races, ahead of joint championship leaders Andy Priaulx and Yvan Muller, Thompson is the only driver to have claimed points at every round from Anderstorp, Sweden, onwards.
“Fourth with two rounds to go, when the odds have been stacked against us throughout the season, is definitely satisfying,” said Thompson. “But our goal is still the championship. The whole team wants to win as much as I do; that’s what racing is all about although no matter what happens this weekend, we have enjoyed a superb season given our circumstances.”Celebrating another podium finish in MonzaN.Technology Alfa Romeo has run against fellow manufacturer teams BMW, SEAT and Chevrolet all season, taking the season’s only double win to date at Valencia and building on its established success heritage.
“Taking pole and winning both races in Valencia was a great moment this year,” added Thompson. “I would love to give the team a similar result for the season’s final weekend. We have to be realistic, competition will be fierce but we have become consistent podium finishers so I see no reason why we shouldn’t be right at the top.”
The Italian outfit’s title bid will be supported by Macau expert André Couto whose extensive experience includes previous Alfa Romeo drives with N.Technology as well as regular racing on the streets of Macau.
Drivers in title contention:
1. Andy Priaulx (GBR) 81 points2. Yvan Muller (FRA) 81 points3. Augusto Farfus (BRA) 71 points4. James Thompson (GBR) 69 points5. Jörg Müller (GER) 66 points6. Nicola Larini (ITA) 61 points
Eurosport’s WTCC coverage begins Friday 16 November with qualifying shown live on Eurosport International and Asia Pacific at 09:15 (CET). Race One will be shown on Sunday 18 November from 04:45 with Race Two starting at 06:00, both on Eurosport International and Asia Pacific.
Live streaming will also be available for both races on eurosport.com
