Michela Cerruti hits back at illegal turbo challenge to Alfa

Romeo Ferraris development driver Michela Cerruti has hit back at claims that their Alfa Romeo Giulietta is running with illegal turbochargers, after the SEAT Craft-Bamboo Racing team lodged a protest on Sunday evening about both the Alfa and the rival Opel Astra TCR.

Craft-Bamboo Racing filed a protest after the Austrian race weekend against two of the Opels and both Alfa Romeos, questioning the legality of both the Alfa Romeo’s and the Opel’s turbochargers, with driver Pepe Oriola initially calling the cars “illegal”, before retracting his words on Monday.

“We are a small private team that has to fight against superior teams,” said Cerruti to motorsport.com. “Last year they laughed at us for the poor performance, but today we are there winning races. We are aware that we have surprised everyone with significant improvements, but to say that we are helped because our car is not good?”

“The Giulietta TCR built by us is in compliance with regulations,” she continued.

“Last year we made requests for changes that have been granted, so we are confident (about our car’s legality).”