RML Events
Chevrolet WTCC Team Work
17/06/2008
MENU third in Brno
BRNO, 15 June 2008 – The RML Chevrolet boys obtained (with Alan Menu third in race 1) the sixth podium position of the season, quite an achievement in a track where rear-wheel drive cars were clearly advantaged. A second podium finish was obtained by Rob Huff ( third in race 2) only for it to be disqualified by the stewards for a "non-conformity of the front anti-roll bar link". The team had used a plastic bush instead of a metallic bush that gives no performance advantage. A real pity, after Rob's great performance, which would have put him fourth in the drivers' overall standings.
Alain Menu's podium came after a clever drive of the Swiss, who made a great job preserving his tyres in a track which is extremely demanding in this respect. The second race was one of the most exciting and hard-fought in WTCC's history, with a group of eight drivers fighting for second position. A superb show, where nobody could keep a count of the number of contacts, pushes and hits received and given, from which Rob emerged brilliantly.
Nicola Larini had a hard week-end, having to cope first with difficulties finding the good set-up, then with a sanction to the back of the grid for not wearing non homologated race wear and finally with the incredibly hectic race conditions.
QUOTES
Alain Menu (3rd/6th): "I am happy with the podium finish in Race 1, I actually think it was one of my best drives this year. Despite my position in first row, there was little I could do at the start of race 1 against the rear-wheel drive. In the first laps, I was very cautious not to kill my tyres and this paid off. I have been able to keep the pace of the two BMWs in the front and use their stream, and keep my position. Race 2 was just crazy, the only thing I can say is that I could have opted to victory if I hadn't been pushed out in the fight".
Rob Huff (9th/Dsq): "My first race was unfortunately ruined in a contact, my steering got bent and I had to concede several positions. The afternoon race was quite lively, as everybody could see. It's impossible to tell what happened, there was so much going on at every corner and cars all over the place! I had a good start, then it was hard fighting during the entire race, at some point I was hit and lost my rear bumper and four places but was able to catch back, keep the car out of trouble and finish third. I am happy with the result: it means some good points and a fourth position in the championship." (Speaking before his exclusion)
Nicola Larini (11th/11th): "It wasn't a good week-end at all, from the beginning until the end! In the first race I could finish 11th despite being at the very back of the grid, thanks to my experience. Race 2 was like a rodeo, I cannot understand how some drivers behave... It's a pity because I was keeping the pace of Rob, before being hit a number of times".
BRNO RACE 1 RESULTS
1. A Zanardi BMW 320si 10 laps in 21m55s769
2. F Porteiro BMW 320si + 0s825
3. A Menu RML Chevrolet Lacetti + 1s707
4. A Farfus BMW 320si + 9s476
5. J. Muller BMW 320si +12s184
9. R Huff RML Chevrolet Lacetti + 17s842
11. N Larini RML Chevrolet Lacetti + 25s390
BRNO RACE 2 RESULTS
1. G Tarquini SEAT Leon TDI 10 laps in 22m04s109
2. A Zanardi BMW 320si +0s360
3. A Farfus BMW 320si +5s718
4. F Porteiro BMW 320si +8s192
5. Y Müller SEAT Leon Tdi +11.931
7. A Menu RML Chevrolet Lacetti +12s143
12. N Larini RML Chevrolet Lacetti +17s818
DRIVERS POINTS STANDINGS AFTER RACE 10 OF 24
1. G Tarquini (SEAT), 58 points; 2. Y Muller (SEAT), 43; 3. R Rydell (SEAT), 37; 4.A Priaulx (BMW), 34; 6. R Huff (RML Chevrolet), 27 ...9. A Menu (RML Chevrolet), 23;… 11. N Larini (RML Chevrolet), 19;…
MANUFACTURERS POINTS STANDINGS AFTER RACE 10 OF 24
1. SEAT, 138 points; 2. BMW, 117; 3. RML Chevrolet, 95; 4. Honda, 19.
Notes to editors:
RML was founded by Ray Mallock in 1984.
RML Group comprises six divisions; Motorsport, Automotive, Engines, Historic, Events and X-Pro.
Based in Northamptonshire, England, the company's 4,300 square metre facility includes full design, development, manufacturing and operational support for automotive engineering projects.
RML has achieved success throughout motorsport categories including GT/sportscars, touring cars, rally cars, single seaters and oval speedway cars. In 2008 RML is again competing in the FIA World Touring Car Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours, and will defend their LMP2 Le Mans Series title. Last year RML produced the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Mclaren SLR 722 GT.
RML work together with a number of specialist official suppliers and technical partners including Autoglym - www.autoglym.co.uk, Beissbarth UK - www.beissbarth.co.uk, DuPont Refinish - www.dupontrefinish.com and Chicago Pneumatic - www.cp.com.
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Chris Burke-Martin – Sales and Marketing Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1933 402440
Email: chrisbm@rmlmallock.co.uk
