Mexico round closing up

In view of the FIA World Touring Car Championship first non-European event of the season, which will take place on Sunday, 26th June, the Autódromo Miguel E. Abed of Puebla Amozoc was inaugurated today, before the Governor of the state of Puebla, a number of other personalities and a large group of media.

The Governor Mr Mario Marín Torres and the Secretary of Sports Mr Salomón Jauli arrived at the track at 1.00 PM; they were welcomed by Mr Julián Abed Jiménez, president of the Organising Committee, and by José and Julián Abed Rouanet, promoters of the FIA WTCC event. After a short visit to the circuit, that has been extensively rebuilt in the last eight months, the Governor cut the ribbon and delivered a short speech.

Immediately afterwards Gabriele Tarquini had the honour of completing the first lap at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 147 road car: “The first impression was good. Maybe the track is a bit narrow, but this will be good for the show, because it should keep the cars packed during the races.” Tarquini was then imitated by Antonio García, Jordi Gené, Nicola Larini, Rickard Rydell, Peter Terting and local hero Carlos Mastretta.

After the final inspections, the Autódromo Miguel E. Abed has been homologated by the FIA as a level 4 racetrack.

Meanwhile, at the end of a 15-day voyage, the cargo ship Campeche docked this morning in Veracruz, carrying the FIA WTCC cars and parts. The 23 containers are being prepared for the final part of the trip, that will be by truck. Cars and materials will be delivered at the racetrack in Amozoc on Sunday.