WTCC 2010 Season
Vladimir Arabadzhiev Pembrey Cruze Test
04/05/2009
Chevrolet wrote history today in Morocco, as the Cruze obtained the first two wins of its racing career, in the first-ever WTCC event held in Africa. Rob Huff took the maiden win, dominating race 1 from flag to flag, while Nicola Larini doubled the count when he clinched his first, long-awaited and well-deserved victory in a closely-fought race 2. It was a less lucky day for Alain Menu, who finished 7th in race 1 and suffered a race incident in race 2.
This memorable week-end for Chevrolet also included Rob's third position in race 2 and Nic's sixth in race 1, which add to Rob's pole position and the fastest laps in both races (with Rob and Alain, respectively). In only three events, the new Cruze has proven to have reached an excellent level of competitiveness, thanks to an extraordinary team effort and the significant progress achieved since the new car's debut in South America.
QUOTES
Rob Huff (1st/3rd): "It's a wonderful day and the car has been just fantastic throughout the week-end. In race 1, starting from the pole, I knew that if I could keep my line I had a slight advantage, so most of the work was done. That's what happened and once in first position I focused on trying not to overheat the brakes, which was the main challenge at this track. As from lap 4, the brake' temperature became quite high indeed, but that was the case for everybody, and things luckily didn't change much. Race 2 was more lively, I managed to overtake one SEAT at the start and another one later on, and then gained two more positions when Jorg Müller and Alain hit trouble, finishing again on the podium. I am very happy, for the team, for Nicola and myself".
Nicola Larini (6th/1st): "At last! I have been waiting so long for this first victory with Chevrolet that I have no words! It is just fantastic, for me and for the entire team. Race 1 was pretty uneventful, in race 2 I made a good start and when Jorg Müller and Alain had a contact at the chicane, I managed to pass Alain, who had lost speed and the best line. Then I kept attacking Müller, I was faster than him, but overtaking is almost impossible in this track, so I just kept putting the pressure on him until he made a little mistake. Once at the front, I just pushed as hard as I could. I just wanted this race win so much".
Alain Menu (7th/17th): "I wasn't very lucky today, but I am delighted with the success of the team. In race 1, not much happened and I just focused on keeping the 7th position. In race 2, I tried to attack Müller at the chicane but I went wide and was slightly touched by Nicola when re-entering in the track. The car sustained some damage and I had to stop in the pits to get it repaired and change tyres. After, it worked well again and I could score the best race lap".
Mark Busfield:"We are obviously very happy with today's results, which go beyond our expectations. It proves that we are competitive, especially when we are on tracks that are new for everybody, and that we have been working well in the past weeks. This is, I believe, the real start of our season".
Eric Nève: "After Pau, Porto and Macau, it is extremely nice to add Marrakech to our collection of victories on street circuits. It proves that regardless of the car, Lacetti or Cruze, we are the best in urban tracks! To see the new Cruze winning so early after its debut is very rewarding. We had some problems in Curitiba and Puebla, but the team has reacted perfectly. A lot of development and testing work has been done between Puebla and Marrakech: it paid off and it is a wonderful reward for everyone in the team. We have enjoyed a great welcome and a lot of support from Chevrolet Morocco who is preparing the launch of the Cruze on the market. We are delighted to offer them such results, which will surely help the sales of the new car".
MARRAKECH RACE 1 RESULTS
1. R Huff Chevrolet Cruze 12 laps in 24m04s240
2. G Tarquini SEAT León TDI +1s729
3. J Gené SEAT León TDI +5s583
4. Y Muller SEAT León TDI +7s044
5. N Larini Chevrolet Cruze +8s577
6. A Menu Chevrolet Cruze +9s043
MARRAKECH RACE 2 RESULTS
1. N Larini Chevrolet Cruze 13 laps in 27m29s960
2. Y Muller SEAT León TDI +1s399
3. R Huff Chevrolet Cruze +1s778
4. J Müller BMW 320si +2s728
5. G Tarquini SEAT León TDI +3s068
17. A Menu Chevrolet Cruze +3 laps
WTCC DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 6 OF 24 :
1. Y Muller (SEAT), 43 points; 2. G Tarquini (SEAT), 31; 3. R Rydell (SEAT), 30; 4. J Gené (SEAT), 24; 5. A Farfus (BMW), 23; 6. R Huff (Chevrolet), 16; ... 8. N Larini (Chevrolet), 14; ...14. A Menu (Chevrolet), 2; etc
WTCC CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 6 OF 24:
1. SEAT, 93 points; 2. BMW, 64; 3. Chevrolet, 51; 4. Lada, 24.
NEXT RACE: Race of France, Pau, 16-17 May 2009.
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For further information please contact RML:
Michell Seaman
Events Manager
Tel: +44 1933 402440
Email: michells@rmlmallock.co.uk
