Coronel: “I initially thought I must be dreaming”

Tom Coronel returns to the wheel of a BMW in the FIA World Touring Car Championship this year. The Dutchman is going to drive for ROAL Motorsport with legendary touring car racer Roberto Ravaglia as head of the team.
“When he phoned me, I initially thought I must be dreaming. This opportunity was too good to miss,” said Coronel.

ROAL Motorsport has been active in the WTCC since the start in 2005, and in ETCC since 2002, but took one year off in 2010 when BMW pulled the factory support. Coronel is looking forward to be a part in the return of the team in 2011.

“I don’t think you could wish for a better combination. The reason for this is obvious: Roberto was himself a racing driver. This means he knows exactly what ingredients are required to win races. I have always had a very good relationship with him,” said Coronel.

Coronel has been driving a SEAT in the WTCC since 2005, but switching back to RWD with the BMW is no problem, according to the Dutchman.

“I don’t think I will have any difficulty. I have always been an all-rounder on the racetrack. Furthermore, I have often driven rear-wheel drive cars away from the WTCC. It shouldn’t pose any problem at all. I may need a couple of events to fully understand the car. However, I am certainly not starting from zero and having to learn everything from scratch,” said Coronel.

The Dutchman means that he has got good conditions for being right in the top of the field in 2011.

“Their [ROAL Motorsport] motivation and passion is top class. They are dedicated to just one thing: motorsport. They are there to win – which is a good approach,” said Coronel.