Chevrolet prepare for Okayama challenges
As the WTCC nears its conclusion the series heads east to Japan after a month with no racing. Although no Chevrolet driver remains in the title hunt, the team have still been in action during the break, conducting a trio of test sessions at Pembrey, Jerez and the Algarve as they seek to finish 2009 on a high.
First up Alain Menu tested the Cruze at the Portimao circuit in Portugal, ahead of the WTCC’s debut there in 2010, before Rob Huff and Bulgarian Vladimir Arabadzhiev took over behind the wheel in Wales. Arabadzhiev conducted the test for his part in helping JD Motorsport to the WTCC-supporting International Formula Master teams’ trophy, while Huff was looking ahead to this weekend’s Okayama round of the touring car series.
Prior to departing for Japan Huff completed another 500 kilometres of running at Jerez, with a focus on set up and rear suspension of the Chevrolet before flying out to the Far East with teammates Menu and Nicola Larini.
Having picked up his first ever WTCC win earlier this season, the Italian is looking to add to his tally in Japan.
“After a month without racing, I am really eager to be behind the wheel again,” said Larini. “My objective for these last four races of the year is to obtain at least one win, to compensate all the bad luck had during the season.
“There are many unknown variables linked with Okayama, but it’s a circuit I like and I go there with the same spirit as ever and confident that we can achieve some good result.”
While Motorsport Manager Eric Nève says it “is always a pleasure to be in Japan” and looks forward to another warm welcome from the Japanese fans, Chevrolet Racing Project Manager Mark Busfield expanded on the challenges that racing at the former home of the Pacific Grand Prix presents.
“For any team in the WTCC, Okayama is synonymous of logistical challenges. The cars have been traveling in sea freight containers since just after the Imola race to start the long journey to Japan, and as we speak, they should be travelling by land to Okayama.
“Our team personnel, about 20 people, flew in this week-end, in order to be able to rebuild and prepare the cars. The drivers and the remaining team members will arrive by mid-week. On site, like last year, we will be assisted by local staff, who will help us with the logistics and in the case we need machining or paint work; which we hope won’t be necessary. Then, for Macau, it will be same plan, all over again.”
Looking ahead to the racing, Menu complimented the circuit, though will be hoping for better results than in 2008 when he retired from the opening race before finishing thirteenth in race two.
“It is quite difficult to make any prediction,” said the Swiss driver, “As we have never been there with the Cruze.
“Okayama is quite a special place, different from any other, and a challenging track, very technical. The first part is pretty fast but the key section is the second one, which has slow corners, where you can lose a lot of time. Finding the right balance is not easy, also because at this time of the year, you can be sure of having rain at some point”.
