Photo: WTCC Media

Alfa, Ford, Honda and Toyota interested in WTCC

FIA World Touring Car Championship boss Marcello Lotti has told renowned racing magazine Autosport that Alfa Romeo, Ford, Honda and Toyota are evaluating to enter the series within the next two years.
“There are five members of the Toyota board coming to Monza to llok at WTCC – the result of a meeting with them we had in December,” said Lotti to Autosport.

As things look currently, WTCC could stand with Chevrolet as their sole manufacturer entry next year. SEAT and Lada withdrew last year and BMW have announced their intentions to enter DTM in 2012.

To attract new manufacturers to WTCC, Lotti says that introducing bio gas is going to be a key element.

“I will ask FIA for permission to introduce bio gas because the VW/SEAT group is keen on this technology, and also there is some interest from FIAT through Alfa Romeo, but only if it is to build a bio gas engine,” said Lotti.

Honda could be on the way in via their Argentinean importer. The WTCC organisation state that they are negotiating with both Honda and about having the season opener in Argentina next year.

“Negotiations are going the right way. They are close to annouuncing a programme through Honda Argentina, and there should be co-operation with Europe, and Mugen on board [to develop] the new engine,” said Lotti.

The old F1 track in Buenos Aires could be an option for WTCC to race on.

“But if we make a deal there needs to be some investment there. The other is a circuit in Santiago del Estero, 250 miles north of Cordoba. But for sure we’d like Buernos Aires for 2012, if not 2011,” said Lotti.