Photo: WTCC Media

Jaap van Lagen surprised by later driver change call at Lada

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Jaap van Lagen has been surprised by the late change to replace him with Nicolas Lapierre for the final four rounds of this year’s World Touring Car Championship, and will miss the team and the championship.

Van Lagen had a late call-up himself, replacing James Thompson from the Nurburgring round back in May. The team recently tested Frenchman Nicolas Lapierre at Paul Ricard and Magny-Cours and made a decision last week to put Lapierre in the car for the final four races alongside Nicky Catsburg and Rob Huff.

“I did not see this coming,” said van Lagen. “For example, the team recently ordered four new sets of race suits and shoes for me. But the decision was taken by the team and I must respect this.

“I enjoyed my return in the WTCC. (WTCC General Manager) François Ribeiro (has) developed the WTCC into a great championship with prestigious manufacturers, spectacular races and a wonderful international calendar,” he added.

Jaap van Lagen also thanked team principal Viktor Shapovalov for the opportunity to race in the WTCC again, six years after last competing for the team in 2009.

“It was an honor to drive for Lada. I found it a beautiful experience to contribute to the development of the new Lada Vesta TC1 race car.

“I enjoyed working with the team, especially with engineer Marco Calovolo. I will really miss Lada and WTCC. I would have loved to finish the season Lada, but it’s time for new challenges now. I expect to be back in other competitive racing series at short notice.”