CHEVROLET RACING STARTS BUSY MONTH OF MAY IN FRANCE
Development Tests in Brands Hatch; New Car for Rob Huff
Next weekend will see the Chevrolet Lacetti WTC tackle rounds three and four of the 2005 World Touring Car Championship in Magny-Cours, France. Just like the Monza race track, the home of the French Formula 1 Grand Prix is a track where the emphasis lies on speed, rather than on handling. Nevertheless, after extensive testing in Brands Hatch last week, the team are confident that the next rounds should see better results.
"In Brands Hatch, where Rob and Alain drove, we concentrated on brakes and clutch development, as we were getting some inconsistent feedback from the drivers as well as the cars. We have now found a common basis to set up all three cars for France," Team Manager, Mark Busfield explained. "At the same time, the test has also defined a set of new directions to be followed for future developments."
With two rounds under their belt, the team has had their work cut out upon their return from Monza. "After each race we compile a number of issues that need to be addressed before the next round," Busfield continued. "A normal list of these engineering points consists of some 25 to 30 items. After Monza, we compiled a list of some 160 issues to be looked into. In other words: we are still a long way away from scoring our first podium finish, but at the same time we are quite confident that the list of engineering points will get shorter each time. In fact, this project is still so new, that we even improve between practice and the races, as we showed in Monza, where the cars were fasters in the races than they had been in qualifying."
The engine development is still the first point on the list and is part of an ongoing development programme, while the brake and clutch issued experienced at Monza have been dealt with in Brands Hatch.
In Magny-Cours, the team will be closely watched by Nick Reilly, CEO of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology in South Korea. "We'll do our best to put up a good show for the boss," Busfield continued. "Realistically it should be possible to qualify in a better position than in Monza. We are now looking at qualifying in the top 15, whereas in Monza we missed the top 20 by two tenths of a second. As for the races, we of course hope to bring all three cars home in both races, but as Rob experienced in Italy, sometimes race incidents can ruin a perfect, solid run to the finish."
Rob Huff will debut a new car (chassis #4) in France, his regular mount having been too badly damaged in the accident in the second race at Monza. "The front end of the car was too badly damaged, so Rob will get a new shell to race from Magny-Cours onwards. His old car (chassis #1) will be repaired but will only be used as a spare car from now on," Busfield explained.
The Race of France will mark the beginning of the busiest period of the 2005 championship, with teams expected in the UK (Silverstone) two weeks later and again in Italy (Imola) two weeks after that.
2005 WTCC DRIVERS POINTS STANDINGS
1. D Müller (BMW), 18 points; 2. Thompson (Alfa Romeo), 12; 3. Garcia (BMW), 10; 4. Priaulx (BMW), 9; 5. Tarquini (Alfa Romeo), 8;…
2005 WTCC MANUFACTURERS POINTS STANDINGS
1. BMW, 29 points; 2. Alfa Romeo, 28; 3. Seat, 15; 4. Chevrolet, 6.
MAGNY COURS WTCC SCHEDULE
Saturday 30th April09.00-09.30 Free Practice 112.30-13.00 Free Practice 215.15-15.45 Qualifying
Sunday 1st May09.20-09.35 Warm Up15.10-15.35 2005 WTCC Race 1 (12 laps = 52.920kms)16.15-16.40 2005 WTCC Race 2 (12 laps = 52.920kms)
Both races and the warm up are broadcasted live on Eurosport.
