Photo: WTCC Media

Eric Nève expecting continued growth for WTCC

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The WTCC’s general consultant Eric Nève believes Volvo’s addition to the championship is just the start of a period of growth for the 11-year-old FIA championship, which will feature four manufacturers on the grid next year for the first time since 2009.

“The WTCC has certainly grown in the last few years, both technically and on the sporting side,” said the former Chevrolet Europe motorsport director to TouringCarTimes. “With the addition of a strong manufacturer such as Volvo I expect both sides to improve even further.”

With Volvo fielding two cars and the drivers not revealed yet, the Swiss trusts Polestar Cyan Racing to bring in a competitive car and top drivers.

“There is no question about it, Volvo have been in touch with the championship for years and I know this is an important project for them, said Nève. “We don’t know who their drivers will be, but they are aware of the level of the championship and they certainly have a great roster of Scandinavian drivers, but at the same time I wouldn’t rule out seeing an experienced driver in their cars. It is obviously their decision.”

After Citroën’s dominance in the last two seasons, fears of the French manufacturer’s outstanding results preventing manufacturers to join the championship proved wrong.

“We always knew that Citroën’s success was not going to hurt the championship. On the contrary, like I said, it raised its level even further. The fact that Volvo joined will also stimulate other manufacturers to come in. We are in touch with other car makers and we know that their reaction was positive, so it’s another plus that the Swedes are bringing to the championship.”

Regarding next year’s grid, Nève is positive the championship needs to focus on independents as much as it does on manufacturers.

“It is obviously a priority to help the independents, as has always been the case for the WTCC. Citroën could expand its availability to the customers, but there is also Honda, and it is important for instance to have Nika Racing back on track. Lada are looking into the possibility of starting a customer programme, it obviously depends on how competitive they will be, but they have made the right steps to improve their cars and I am sure the Vesta will be attractive for customers.”