Chevrolet experience all weathers in Portugal

Yvan Muller and Rob Huff have continued Chevrolet’s WTCC build-up campaign, conducting a two-day test at the Circuito do Algarve. With six weeks until the season begins in Curitiba the Chevrolet Racing team visited the Portimao circuit that will join the WTCC calendar for the first time in July.

Weather conditions varied across the two days of the test, with rain showers affecting running throughout the day on Wednesday, while Thursday began humid before the track fully dried out for the final half-day of on-track activity.

“Despite the changing weather conditions, it has been a very useful session”, said Huff, “That allowed us to confirm or re-address some of the things that we have been testing recently. On the second day, we could run 400 km and this made up for some of time lost on the first day because of the rain. I am very happy with the work done and with how things look for 2010”.

For Muller it was just his second test for the works Chevrolet team, allowing him vital time to get used to his new surroundings ahead of the new season.

“These two days were very useful for me, as I could work with the mechanics that will be my crew during the season and I continued exploring various set-ups in order to get to know the Cruze better.

“It was also nice to have the possibility to discuss and spend some time together with Alain (Menu) and Rob. The track was pretty damp and greasy the first day, but on Thursday we could do some proper set-up work, which will be very useful when we will come here for the WTCC race later in the year”.

While not conducting any driving duties, Menu was also present in Portugal, though the double BTCC champion remains eager to return to the drivers seat.

“Clearly, I am eager to be back in Valencia mid-February. This will be the last test before real things start all over again. I have known Yvan for many years and I am convinced he will be a plus for the team, so I am really anxious to see this season starting soon”.

Menu will rejoin the driving team when he, Huff and Muller all test the Cruze in Valencia on the 17-18 Feburary.

Also present in Portugal were BMW team RBM with drivers Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus. For pictures from the test click here.