New SEAT testing

SEAT Sport’s new SEAT León WTCC has completed its first real test at the beginning of last week in Almeria. Jordi Gené and Rickard Rydell shared driving duties for three days. “The testing session was extremely positive,” commented Jaime Puig, SEAT Sport director.

“The car confirmed entirely the potential of the new chassis, which we had previously tested with a SEAT Altea bodywork, for development and set-up purposes. Higher down-force makes the car faster in bends, and the new and advanced multi-link rear axle of the new León proves to be instrumental in providing the racing car excellent dynamics. Higher traction was another improvement very much appreciated by both of the drivers involved in the test.

“Mainly due to the shape of the bodywork – ‘hatch’ type – there is still a lot of work to be done on the aerodynamics field. But, although no direct comparison were already performed, our simulations at this stage of the development point already to significant better results of the new car in circuits with long corners and short straight lines.

Another conclusion of the new León WTCC first test that let us very optimistic concerns reliability. During the three days at the Almeria racetrack, the car run for over 700 kilometres without any technical failure, which is really outstanding and clearly shows not only the potential of the León WTCC but also the excellent work done by our technical team.

Despite the fact that there is still a great deal of work to be done, we are optimistic and look forward for the León WTCC’s debut at Orchesleben, late August.”