FIA WTCC NEWSLETTER # 35 – 6 October 2006
PROMOTIONAL DAY IN VALENCIA
In the build up to the penultimate WTCC event in 2006, a
day of promotional activities took place yesterday in the
centre of Valencia.
A press conference was held at the “Ciudad de los Artes
y las Ciencias” ultramodern complex, which was attended
by Andy Priaulx, Duncan Huisman, and Spanish drivers Maria
De Villota, Oscar Nogués and Jordi Gené. The
press received speeches from David Serra, Secretary of Sport
for the Valencia region, Marcello Lotti, KSO Manager, and
Eduardo Nogués, manager of the Valencia racetrack,
who spoke about the expectation of a good crowd this weekend.
For the Valencia public, a static exhibition was set up in
front of the Hémisferic auditorium in which an Alfa
Romeo 156, Chevrolet Lacetti and SEAT León were displayed
together with GT and Formula 3 cars.
The fans then got to meet the drivers at an autograph session
which was also of great interest to several TV crews.
DE VILLOTA: I AM PRIVILEGED TO BE HERE
María De Villota is 25 years old and the first female
to race in the WTCC. She will be at the wheel of a Maurer
Motorsport Chevrolet Lacetti. Having competed in the Spanish
Formula 3 Championship as well as other domestic series María
has some experience of the Valencia circuit.
“I know the track quite well but what I am unfamiliar
with is the championship and the car,” she said. “Valencia
has a great feel because the people here are enthusiastic
about motorsport and it is a great circuit for spectators
because it is like a circus arena.”
As for the newcomer’s feelings on the forthcoming races,
“This is by far the most important event of my racing
career. I am privileged to be here and can’t wait to
start.”
María’s family has great tradition in motorsport;
her father Emilio took part in a few Formula 1 GPs in the
late Seventies at the wheel of a private McLaren, while her
brother Emilio jr. raced in Formula 3 and Formula 3000 in
recent years.
A BUSY WEEKEND FOR OSCAR NOGUÉS
Oscar Nogués is going to be a busy man this weekend.
The 28 year old from Banyeres del Penedés is making
his first appearance in the WTCC in addition to the Spanish
Supercópa SEAT León which is a support race
for the event. All in all he will take part in five races
during the weekend, one on Saturday (Race 1 of the Supercópa
SEAT) and four on Sunday (Race 2 and 3 of the Supercópa
SEAT and the two WTCC races).
“The WTCC is a championship I watch on the TV so this
is a special opportunity to gain insight into it and to meet
the drivers.”
Nogués, who enjoys mountain biking and squash then
added: “My team-mates are pleased I am here to try to
help them win the championship. Although it will be difficult
I am aiming to score some points for SEAT at this track which
I like very much.”
TEST ON MONDAY FOR BMW ITALY-SPAIN
Roberto Ravaglia’s BMW Team Italy-Spain will stay in
Valencia on Monday for a half-day test.
The Italian squad will give 23 year old Spaniard Félix
Porteiro the first real opportunity to drive the BMW 320si.
In two weeks Porteiro, who has just completed his maiden season
in the GP2 series, will join the team for the FIA European
Touring Car Cup at Estoril, as Alessandro Zanardi’s
team-mate.
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