Photo: FIA WTCR

Tom Coronel “feeling sharp” ahead of new WTCR season

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Tom Coronel continues with Comtoyou Racing at the wheel of a new generation Audi RS 3 LMS for his 17th season in world touring cars, starting this weekend at the Nordschleife.

The Dutch driver has praised the new car and is feeling more prepared than ever before.

“We had three test days with the new car, and we never used to have test days before,” Coronel told TouringCarTimes. “Audi and Comtoyou have done a reasonable preparation for the season and we have completed some good mileage.

“I come better prepared than in the last 10 years. Because I’m also racing in the TCR Europe, I feel ready and sharper,” added the Dutch driver.

Coronel has raced with a Honda, a Cupra and now goes into a second season with an Audi in the WTCR.

“I tried to get in with Honda again, but their line-up was complete, and Hyundai was the same, so I knew I’d stay with Audi,” he said. “I have always been a semi-privateer and having to organise my own programme, so I’m not stuck with a manufacturer.”

“The car is more consistent and braking is smoother. It has a new gearbox with a better feeling, giving more feedback. And it also looks more sexy!”

His team-mate Nathanaël Berthon agreed: “The driving position is more centred and the car has a better economy,” he said. “The engine is the same as the Cupras but is smoother than the previous car. It has a new gearbox and, overall, is more comfortable to drive.”

“I feel very prepared, we have done a lot of work. Still, testing is one thing but racing is coming and that’s something different.”

Coronel, differently to some rivals, is looking forward to the challenge of starting the season at a challenging track like the Nordschleife.

“If they aren’t happy to race at the Nordschleife then they don’t belong in a world championship,” he said. “It’s special, and it’s different. I’ve always liked this track and have competed here, even done some VLN [Nürburgring Endurance Championship] races. I live close by, it’s just a three-and-a-half hour drive to come here for me.”