Muller rates SEAT as main rival

Yvan Muller says SEAT are the main rivals to Chevrolet’s title challenge this year, despite the manufacturer officially dropping out of the championship.

Yvan Muller spoke to TouringCarTimes & StopandGo about how his first season with Chevrolet is going.

TcT: Your season has started very well, with one win and one pole position. How would you rate your performance?

“I am pleased with our performance. In Brazil we went very well, while in Marrakech the track was not suitable for the Cruze. Nevertheless we are still close to Seat and this is definitely positive.”

TcT: How is the relationship with the new team?

“For sure I have settled in well. It ‘s a good team and a nice car. Of course I’m trying to learn the working method of Chevrolet, but it is not something you can do overnight. However, I am very happy to be here.”

TcT: Do you think the León TDI remains the car to beat?

“Yes, especially on this track. It will be really difficult for us to fight on equal terms with SEAT in this context.”

TcT: The SEAT team is not official this year, and some of their drivers are complaining about the lack of budget compared to Chevrolet and BMW. How do you think this will affect the outcome of the fight for the title?

“I think it will not affect it very much. Of course SEAT don’t test much, but also the development of the Cruze has been halted to develop next year’s car. They have less budget than us, but this year every works team needs less budget, because it is a time of transition to the next year, when the regulations change.”

“I think the only difference is the team, which is no longer SEAT Sport but SUNRED. Their excellent engineers have stayed and there are still very competitive drivers. For me they are still team to beat.”