[WTCC] WTCC 2009: News, Rumours, Entries...

[Robbe]

Provisional WTCC 2009 Calendar

8 March – Curitiba - Brazil
22 March – Puebla - Mexico
3 May – Marrakech - Morocco
17 May – Valencia - Spain
31 May – Pau - France
21 June – Brno - Czech Republic
5 July – Porto - Portugal
19 July – Brands Hatch - UK
30 August – Oschersleben - Germany
4 October – Monza - Italy
25 October – Okayama - Japan
15 November – TBA

Entries

Chevrolet - 3 works cars, new model
Larini, Menu, Huff confirmed

Lada - 2 teams, new Priora model, works entry
Jaap van Lagen

There were other rumours that BMW might pull out, or at least Andy Priaulx changes to BTCC or ALMS.

It has been quiet around SEAT. Tarquini said he is without a contract yet for 2009.

It's still not sure if Honda continues. And of course, let's not forget the Subaru rumours. Or Volvo.

For the independents, Poulsen is looking at entering full time; while the second Lada team shall run in the independents trophy.

[Bramzel]

Originally Posted by Robbe

Chevrolet - 3 works cars, new model
Larini, Menu, Huff confirmed

They kept Larini as well? Menu I can understand, Huff is finally living up to his promise this year so I can understand that as well, but Larini? Give that man his retirement and hire somebody like Thompson or Plato...

[awrb]

Larini's doe okay, but they say they want stability in the team. Plus, if they fired him even though he's done alright, that might put more pressure on Huff and Menu, and then mistakes are made.

I think they've got a really good line up now, and a good chance for next year.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by Bramzel

They kept Larini as well? Menu I can understand, Huff is finally living up to his promise this year so I can understand that as well, but Larini? Give that man his retirement and hire somebody like Thompson or Plato...

I think Coronel agrees with you about Larini.

[FIRE]

The N.Technology World Touring Car team are hoping to receive more factory support from Honda in Japan after taking the first victory with their Honda Accord at Imola last weekend.

...

Sipsz has been told that there will be no support for the team from Honda Europe and a decision on support from Japan could determine whether the team continue with the Accord next season.

...

"I hope Honda appreciate this victory and want to support us for the future. We're happy continue with this brand but the decision is not in our hands."

N.Technology have also taken delivery of a new Mugen engine, which could be used as early as the next race at Monza next weekend. It was scheduled for debut at Okayama, but the team will test the unit before making a decision.

"The engine we had at Imola worked very well," added Sipsz. "We want to test it before we make a decision. We will test before Monza and then decide whether to use it for Monza or Japan."

Source: www.autosport.com

[OJB]

Originally Posted by Bramzel

They kept Larini as well? Menu I can understand, Huff is finally living up to his promise this year so I can understand that as well, but Larini? Give that man his retirement and hire somebody like Thompson or Plato...

Are Chevrolet going to use the new Cruze instead of the Lacetti? Could probably do with an experienced line-up if that is the case - remember Larini went to the final round with a title shout, so he deserves at least the chance to get his first win with the team!

[ScotsBrutesFan]

Originally Posted by OJB

Are Chevrolet going to use the new Cruze instead of the Lacetti? Could probably do with an experienced line-up if that is the case - remember Larini went to the final round with a title shout, so he deserves at least the chance to get his first win with the team!

Interesting about the Cruze. It's not due for launch until next spring, so would cars be available to build up also it appears to be 1.8 petrol or 2.0 "common Rail" turbo diesel. Though do I remember something about the current Lacetti being modded 1.8 ??

[Aslak Vind]

I hope they will be able to build a new engine, the current one is older than disco..

[Bramzel]

Originally Posted by OJB

Are Chevrolet going to use the new Cruze instead of the Lacetti? Could probably do with an experienced line-up if that is the case - remember Larini went to the final round with a title shout, so he deserves at least the chance to get his first win with the team!

Honestly, he's been there as long as Huff and Menu, who have both clinched quite a bit more than one win. He deserved a chance, but he hasn't used it. Not winning in a car in which your teammates win on a frequent basis is just not defendable in my opinion. Especially not if you combine it with stupid moves from time to time such as throwing away a p2 in Porto last year. No, Larini would definitely not be my driver of choice in a WTCC team. Definitely not with people like Coronel, Thompson or perhaps Plato available.

[Subaru_WRX_STi]

if Subaru enter WTCC, is Pordrive who will carry on the program and develop the car?

[BMW Süchtige]

I sincerely hope that BMW do decide to remain despite the obvious bias against them... they should bring their storming 320d and wipe the field...




And then leave

(Front wheel drive hatchbacks are NOT worthy WTCC machines... end of)

[duke_toaster]

Subaru + WTCC would probably not happen - wouldn't they need to sell a 2WD 2L NA Impreza unless they chose a different model?

[FIRE]

In the past Subaru sold 2WD Imprezas. I don't know if they still do.

If Subaru enters WTCC (or S2000) I assume they will use the boxer diesel engine.

[kristof14]

Originally Posted by FIRE

In the past Subaru sold 2WD Imprezas. I don't know if they still do.

If Subaru enters WTCC (or S2000) I assume they will use the boxer diesel engine.

They'd probably go with a small petrol turbo wouldn't they? That's what they'll be running in WRC when it switched to S2000.

[Subaru_WRX_STi]

the problem at Subaru is all their road cars are AWD, so how entring a competition with a 2WD ?

[Ellmau]

They're not all AWD. This one is FWD



It's a 1.0L engine, so just place 2 engines in it to get a 2.0L engine

[Valker]

I wonder if Subaru would be allowed to modify a 4wd car into rwd. Just like some Italian tractors can be changed from 4wd to rwd for GT racing.

[Valenok]

What about factory Alfa?
I/ve thought, Thompson agreed witn N-tec independent Honda only because Alfa wanted to return in 2009. He could get works Lacetti for this and next years

[Subaru_WRX_STi]

hard to see Alfa back again next year, but what a bout FIAT, for a long time they were intrested to enter WTCC or theit IRC rally program is keepeing them away from touting cars ?

[stedevil]

Well, Alfa is FIAT and the brand that is rumoured for FIAT to appear with is Lancia. Though Martin Haven was speculating it could be in BTCC and not WTCC, but if they have an S2000 car, who knows where they will show up.

[JMeissner]

SEAT to race old Audi next year?

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=2754

[Pettersson]

Sure, it looks better than the Leon but IMHO it's just a receipt on how crazy the automotive industry can be sometimes...

[awrb]

Any news on the engine in that, are we talking Petrol or Diesel.

Will look so much better than the ugly, melted looking Leon though.

[Dead-Eye]

Originally Posted by stedevil

Well, Alfa is FIAT and the brand that is rumoured for FIAT to appear with is Lancia. Though Martin Haven was speculating it could be in BTCC and not WTCC, but if they have an S2000 car, who knows where they will show up.

Wouldn't mind seeing the new Delta

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by JMeissner

SEAT to race old Audi next year?

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=2754

Who cares it's an old car....IT'S A SALOON!