Nicola Larini tests Cruze at Zolder

Chevrolet spent yesterday testing the Cruze at Zolder in Belgium. Nicola Larini was charged with performing the day long test of the car, which entered the World Touring Car Championship at the beginning of the 2009 season.

The aim of the test was to fine tune the balance of the car, as well as to work on the aerodynamics and general development of the Cruze.

The Cruze has claimed five race victories in its debut season, including a one-two for Alain Menu and Rob Huff in the first race at Brands Hatch. Nevertheless, advances in performance are always sought, and this is why the team scheduled the test at Zolder.

“I know Zolder well since the ‘90s”, said Larini, who used his knowledge to the benefit of the Chevrolet team during the test.

Of Zolder, Larini stated, “It is technical and demanding, especially for the brakes, with constant changes of rhythm”, which is suited to the type of testing the team were performing throughout the day.

Zolder has recently been added to the calendar for the 2010 WTCC season, and Larini was quick to add that he is “really happy that the WTCC is coming back [to Zolder]”. The Italian will undoubtedly use this test to his advantage when the racing gets under way at Zolder in June next year.

Chevrolet Team Manager, Mark Busfield, explained that the team had another test session planned at the circuit during the winter, and said that “the data that we will gather during these tests will surely bring us something in 2010″, suggesting that the team believes it can make a serious challenge for honours next season.