WTCC IS GEARING UP FOR A NEW SEASON
The calendar for the 2016 WTCC has been adjusted, with the opening race now set to take place at Circuit Paul Ricard at 1 – 3 April. But that is not the only change for this year, over the last two months lots of exciting changes have taken place that could spice up the championship. After two years of domination by Citroen, both Lada and Honda are stepping up to challenge them this year. Honda has extended their team with an additional car, driven by former Champion Huff. And former privateer Michelisz has also joined the team. Two strong drivers that can make a difference this year. Although Honda is struggling in Formula 1 with partner McLaren, the Honda Civic could become a contender for the championship in WTCC.
Then another factory team Lada also made some changes in their line-up for this year. The Dutch driver Catsburg will stay at the team, he was 12th in the 2015 championship. He is now joined by former privateer Valente (Chevy) and most experienced driver on the grid Gabriele Tarquini. The Italian drove last year for Honda, but his contract was not extended. Now he has switched to the upcoming Lada team. Lada was still 3rd in the manufacturing championship in 2015, but each year they improve so let’s hope they can challenge the other manufacturers this year.
Another mover is Tom Chilton. He was driving for the ROAL motorsport team in the Chevrolet, but after the development of that car was stopped he decided to make the switch to the Citroen of the semi-manufacturing independent team of Sébastien Loeb. A good choice as this car was by far the quickest over the last few years.
One of the big question marks for this season is the ROAL Motorsport team and Tom Coronel. They have lost Tom Chilton and the Chevy is no longer developed by RLM. In 2015 they were already struggling to keep up with the front of the grid, so for 2016 it will be even more challenging. But the good news is that they are now in the new ‘WTCC Trophy’ championship for independent teams that has doubled in price money (500K). So far, Tom Coronel hasn’t secured a seat in WTCC. The last statement of Tom regarding the new season were hinting towards staying at ROAL Motorsport, and securing his sponsor package. I have been following Tom for several years now, and still wonder why he never has been selected for a drive at one of the manufacturing teams. He has the experience, is outspoken and has lots of skills to be representing any brand. It might be that car manufacturers are more in favor of drivers from countries that represent a big and interesting market for them. But that doesn’t seem to count for Lada which did sign a Dutch driver with Nicky Catsburg. Let’s hope Tom is on the WTCC grid again this year.
Then another factory team Lada also made some changes in their line-up for this year. The Dutch driver Catsburg will stay at the team, he was 12th in the 2015 championship. He is now joined by former privateer Valente (Chevy) and most experienced driver on the grid Gabriele Tarquini. The Italian drove last year for Honda, but his contract was not extended. Now he has switched to the upcoming Lada team. Lada was still 3rd in the manufacturing championship in 2015, but each year they improve so let’s hope they can challenge the other manufacturers this year.
Another mover is Tom Chilton. He was driving for the ROAL motorsport team in the Chevrolet, but after the development of that car was stopped he decided to make the switch to the Citroen of the semi-manufacturing independent team of Sébastien Loeb. A good choice as this car was by far the quickest over the last few years.
One of the big question marks for this season is the ROAL Motorsport team and Tom Coronel. They have lost Tom Chilton and the Chevy is no longer developed by RLM. In 2015 they were already struggling to keep up with the front of the grid, so for 2016 it will be even more challenging. But the good news is that they are now in the new ‘WTCC Trophy’ championship for independent teams that has doubled in price money (500K). So far, Tom Coronel hasn’t secured a seat in WTCC. The last statement of Tom regarding the new season were hinting towards staying at ROAL Motorsport, and securing his sponsor package. I have been following Tom for several years now, and still wonder why he never has been selected for a drive at one of the manufacturing teams. He has the experience, is outspoken and has lots of skills to be representing any brand. It might be that car manufacturers are more in favor of drivers from countries that represent a big and interesting market for them. But that doesn’t seem to count for Lada which did sign a Dutch driver with Nicky Catsburg. Let’s hope Tom is on the WTCC grid again this year.