Coronel confident of podium results

Tom Coronel is confident that he is going to be able to fight for podium finishes this season after the two days of testing with ROAL Motorsport in Italy.
“This test made me very optimist for the season. I am confident that with the combination we have I will be fighting for podium results,” said Coronel.

The new 1.6 litre turbo BMW engine provides more power and more torque compared to the previous 2.0 litre naturally aspirated engine. This change requires a new driving style according to the Dutchman.

“It’s a drastic change in the driving style, especially because in the last six years I raced front-wheel drive cars. When the turbo kicks in you suddenly have a lot more power and find yourself drifting out of the corners,” said Coronel.

One of the main issues with the turbo engine is that it easily wears the tyres out with the increased torque.

“This is not good for the tyres, so we have to find a set up that is conservative with them. You have to work on lower revs and listen carefully to the engine; on the other hand you can brake into the corners and be more aggressive with the throttle,” said Coronel.

Other than changing type of car, Coronel also switches team for 2011 to ROAL Motorsport, headed by experienced touring car racer Roberto Ravaglia.

“I was impressed by the team. They are very professional and focusing on my car only. And furthermore, as a former driver, Roberto Ravaglia understands motor racing. And I really can feel this. The test went well and the engine ran fine, so we were able to concentrate on the car’s set up. Because you need to change it a lot,” said Coronel.