Sportscars 2007
Digital Image Recorder
21/06/2009
The Chevrolet team lived its most frustrating Sunday of the 2009 season, as all their efforts were ruined in a multiple car accident in the very first corner of race 1, in which the three Cruze drivers were all innocent victims. The team did a great job in repairing the cars for race 2, but starting from the back of the grid, there was no hope to achieve any great results. Rob Huff and Nicola Larini finished 12th and 13th respectively, while Alain Menu was unfortunately put out of contention by a race incident on the 1st lap.
QUOTES
Rob Huff (Ret/12th): "The formation lap of race 1 was a little bit awkward, with a lot of drivers accelerating and braking. Still, I managed to take a great start and get close to top positions at the first braking point, then I just got hit by Nicola when Farfus pushed him across the track in my path. There is little to say about race 2, except that the boys did an excellent job to repair the car on time".
Nicola Larini (Ret/13th): "It is a pity that after all the team's efforts and good work the results were ruined by the mistake of Farfus at the first corner. I had taken a good start but all of a sudden, Farfus moved left hitting me and Priaulx, that was the end of my race.In race 2 I was amongst the traffic of the second half of the grid and did the best I could but couldn't get higher up the order".
Alain Menu (Ret/Ret): "It was just one of those days, to be forgotten as soon as possible. In race 1, I had just managed to escape the accident at the first braking point in turn 1 when I was hit in the middle of the first corner by one of the SEAT's. In race 2, also on lap 1, I had a contact with a Lada and that gave me a puncture which I had to pit to change. We will put this one behind us and look forward to the next one!"
Mark Busfield: "It is a frustrating day but I guess the only thing we can say is that "It's racing...". What I'll take away from Brno is the superb job done by the team after race 1 to repair the cars in such a short time and get them ready for race 2. Now we have to look ahead and start working for Porto, a street circuit that suits us well and where we have many good memories".
Wayne Brannon, GME Vice President Chevrolet: "It is always a pleasure to come to the WTCC and support our team. Today was not a lucky day, but I am impressed with the professionalism and the determination of everybody in the team. The racing programme is an integral part in the marketing of the new Cruze in Europe and elsewhere, but even more, a perfect vehicle to showcase Chevrolet's values and spirit".
BRNO RACE 1 RESULTS
1. A Zanardi BMW 320si 12 laps in 29m26s496
2. J Müller BMW 320si +1s848
3. G Tarquini SEAT León TDI +4s831
4. R Rydell SEAT León TDI +5s105
5. S Hernández BMW 320si +5s303
DNF A Menu Chevrolet Cruze Accident damage (1 lap)
DNF N Larini Chevrolet Cruze Accident damage (0 laps)
DNF R Huff Chevrolet Cruze Accident damage (0 laps)
BRNO RACE 2 RESULTS
1. S Hernández BMW 320si 10 laps in 22m13s734
2. Y Muller SEAT León TDI +2s316
3. T Monteiro SEAT León TDI +4s114
4. F Porteiro BMW 320si +4s280
5. G Tarquini SEAT León TDI +7s232
12. R Huff Chevrolet Cruze +16s026
13. N Larini Chevrolet Cruze +17s624
DNF A Menu Chevrolet Cruze Accident damage (1 lap)
WTCC DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 12 OF 24 :
1. Y Muller (SEAT), 66 points; 2. G Tarquini (SEAT), 56; 3. A Frafus (BMW), 54; 4. J Müller (BMW), 41; 5. R Rydell (SEAT), 38; ... 7. R Huff (Chevrolet), 32; ...12. N Larini (Chevrolet), 14; 13. A Menu (Chevrolet), 14; etc.
WTCC CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 12 OF 24:
1. SEAT, 161 points; 2. BMW, 153; 3. Chevrolet, 103; 4. Lada, 45.
NEXT RACE: Race of Portugal, Porto, 4-5 July 2009.
For more information on Chevrolet's World Touring Car Championship programme, please contact:
Michell Seaman @ RML
Tel: +44 1933 402 440
