Coronel learns the diesel SEAT in Spain

Tom Coronel continues his preparations ahead of the FIA World Touring Car Championship 2010 with testing in Spain. The Dutchman completed 48 laps at Circuit de la Comunidad Valenciana Ricardo Tormo.
“Of course, such a test costs a bit of money, but it still made sense for me to do it, otherwise you arrive at Curitiba and you are being thrown in at the deep end,” Coronel said.

Coronel shared the diesel SEAT Léon with reigning world champion Gabriele Tarquini and WTCC newcomer Michel Nykjær.

The diesel SEAT is a new experience for Coronel who is used to drive the petrol version of it. But the Dutchman has quickly got up to speed with it.

“It doesn’t seem fast at all, especially as the car is producing so little noise compared to race cars with petrol engines. With a diesel engine, you change gear at around 4,000 rpm, so much earlier.

But still, I pretty soon did a lap time of 1:44.4 minutes, the time that put Tarquini on pole for last year’s race at Valencia. So, the lap times are good, and that is what makes you win races,” said Coronel.

While Coronel is quick in the car, there are a lot of differences compared to the petrol version that he has to cope with.

“The SEAT with a diesel engine is 30 kg heavier than the petrol engined one I raced in previous years. You really notice that in the balance of the car.

Another striking element is the huge amount of torque, especially while accelerating out of the corners. It is like being pushed in the back all the time,” said Coronel.

The team completed a short video from the test available for viewing here!