WTCC, 2006, Rumours, news, dates etc - Page 22

ATF · 25 Mar 2006, 16:08 (Ref:1560401)

Would Alfa be able to use the 156 if the were running a "works" team? Is it still in production or not? If they're not allowed, is this a way of getting round that - ie having a year out and returning as a works team in 2007. Also, which car will they use?

redshoes · 25 Mar 2006, 16:57 (Ref:1560414)

Homolgation is valid for 5 (or 7?) years after the end of production so nothing to stop Alfa from still using the 156 as a works entry. Obviously from a marketing point of view it makes no sense to promote a model you can no longer buy.

If/when they come back next year it will almost certainly be with the 159.

kmchow · 25 Mar 2006, 18:58 (Ref:1560453)

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshoes

If/when they come back next year it will almost certainly be with the 159.

But up until last year, wasn't there a debate regarding which is the better veh to use-159 or 147?

**FIRE** · 25 Mar 2006, 19:14 (Ref:1560464)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmchow

But up until last year, wasn't there a debate regarding which is the better veh to use-159 or 147?

According Alfa the 159 is to big.

alfan · 25 Mar 2006, 19:38 (Ref:1560474)

Quote:

Originally Posted by touringlegend

Is that really how much it costs to register a manufacturer team in the WTCC ? Wow!

Yes, I've just checked it in sporting regulations. Quite huge amount indeed. Anybody knows, how much is it in DTM ?

Secong thought: maybe that's what scared Brilliance off ?

Valker · 25 Mar 2006, 19:46 (Ref:1560480)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE

According Alfa the 159 is to big.

Yep... but it's actually about same size as Accord and E90.

**FIRE** · 25 Mar 2006, 20:04 (Ref:1560488)

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfan

Yes, I've just checked it in sporting regulations. Quite huge amount indeed. Anybody knows, how much is it in DTM ?

Secong thought: maybe that's what scared Brilliance off ?

Last season it didn't scare off Ford.

I never understood why Ford wanted to be listed as manufacturer, especially because they had never the intention (at least not official) to run a factory team. They had better used that money to develop the Focus.

ATF · 25 Mar 2006, 21:54 (Ref:1560559)

I agree it makes no sense. But in BTCC, VX used the old Astra Coupe in 2004 in favour of the new Vectra because they believed it would be faster! I suppose they were planning on introducing the new Astra a year later though so that made sense. Has the 147 got a replacement in the near future?

alfan · 25 Mar 2006, 22:12 (Ref:1560578)

According to the italiaspeed.com, Alfa 149 will be presented next year, but market launch is planned for 2008. So it makes it all a little bit more difficult. They'll have to wait with comeback one more year, if they want to use 149. But it'll make no sense to prepare 147 just for a year.

ATF · 25 Mar 2006, 22:25 (Ref:1560592)

2006 was meant to be a big year for Alfa in international touring cars. There were rumours of an assault on the DTM and Alan Gow said Alfa were planning to run cars in the BTCC until they withdrew from the WTCC.

Go_For_Pole · 26 Mar 2006, 08:52 (Ref:1561139)

I believe it is fair to say that both of those were very far from reality

E46 · 26 Mar 2006, 10:21 (Ref:1561208)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go_For_Pole

I believe it is fair to say that both of those were very far from reality

Mainly DTM.

Alfa Fan · 26 Mar 2006, 10:58 (Ref:1561246)

The Alfa thing was very close. If it wasn't for a management rearrangement at Alfa in the middle of last year, Alfa Romeo would now be in the BTCC.

Alfa Romeo are again looking at the series for 2007, when they also plan to make their WTCC return with the 159.

ATF · 26 Mar 2006, 11:02 (Ref:1561251)

I don't believe the 159 would be the best car to use for the BTCC, they could get away with it in WTCC cos the tracks are a lot bigger. And they wouldn't want to use 2 different cars in 2 series, would they?

Alfa Fan · 26 Mar 2006, 12:36 (Ref:1561312)

We'll just have to wait and see. The big Integra (compared to the Civic) did ok last year

ATF · 27 Mar 2006, 08:43 (Ref:1562066)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

We'll just have to wait and see. The big Integra (compared to the Civic) did ok last year

Good point, although the 159 is even longer than the 406 Coupe, and that wasn't as successful. I'm not saying size is the only factor, I just seem to remember VLR said shorter cars were the way to go.

**touringlegend** · 27 Mar 2006, 20:07 (Ref:1562631)

Seeing as the new WTCC season is nearly upon this I'll unstick this thread from the top but feel free to still add news of new entries etc to this thread throughout the year.

Net-Ranger · 2 Apr 2006, 05:04 (Ref:1567411)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCD

Is anybody planning on visiting a WTCC race this season?

1 question, where can you buy tickets for the races?

Well Since yesterday WTCC race of Mexico tickets are for sale!!!!, can be obtained at:

http://www.ticketmaster.com.mx/deportes

Since 3 day ticket packages, to single day tickets
Check the seat Chart

i hope to get mines by tuesday

Valker · 11 Apr 2006, 11:08 (Ref:1578442)

According to German motorsport-guide.com there won't be Lada before Oschersleben round in June. There's still no news about drivers...

Is Lada just another Superb/Brilliance after all?

JMeissner · 11 Apr 2006, 11:51 (Ref:1578471)

Old news man

E46 · 20 May 2006, 15:35 (Ref:1614924)

According Maxi Auto Sport Alfa Romeo wants to homologate its 159 4WD but using it like a RWD car. S2000 specs forbid it and SEAT won´t accept either. Interesting affair for silly season.

**touringlegend** · 20 May 2006, 15:51 (Ref:1614928)

That's a bit strange. Homologate it so it can be used as 4WD but then disconnect the drive to the front wheels ? Do Alfa even have 4WD / RWD in their range ?

Bramzel · 20 May 2006, 15:54 (Ref:1614932)

Quote:

Originally Posted by touringlegend

That's a bit strange. Homologate it so it can be used as 4WD but then disconnect the drive to the front wheels ? Do Alfa even have 4WD / RWD in their range ?

They offer their models for sale as 4WD, but the 159 is a normal FWD. Afaik they don't have a RWD in their programme either at this moment. So basicly it's a way to trick the 159 to be RWD to be more competative against the BMW I think, and I can imagine very well that Seat is against this.

**FIRE** · 20 May 2006, 15:56 (Ref:1614935)

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46

According Maxi Auto Sport Alfa Romeo wants to homologate its 159 4WD but using it like a RWD car. S2000 specs forbid it and SEAT won´t accept either. Interesting affair for silly season.

I already expected this plan from Alfa.

Maybe they can produce 2500 RWD road cars which are rebuild 4WD cars?

Bramzel · 20 May 2006, 15:59 (Ref:1614938)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE

I already expected this plan from Alfa.

Maybe they can produce 2500 RWD road cars which are rebuild 4WD cars?

A 159si?

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