Heated WTCR fight heads for new conditions in Spain
The FIA World Touring Car Cup heads for round three this weekend at MotorLand Aragón in Spain, with a heated title fight continuing under new conditions.
Rather cool temperatures during the first two rounds are changed for very high temperatures in Spain, as well as a changed Balance of Performance and the introduction of compensation weights.
A mere 19 points separates the top eight drivers currently, and it’s just five points between the top four drivers.
Jean-Karl Vernay managed to cling on to the lead following Estoril, despite a retirement in the first race and will be on double duties this weekend.
“We know the compensation weight is coming and we will see what happens compared to the other brands,” said Vernay.
“It will be a busy weekend for me as I will also be driving in PURE ETCR, so I will need to adapt quickly to the Hyundai Elantra N TCR between sessions in order to be competitive, but I am more than ready for the challenge.”
Three drivers share second place overall currently in the form of the Lynk & Co duo of Santiago Urrutia and Yvan Muller, as well as Hungarian Honda driver Attila Tassi.
“It’s a very close season so far and this race is no doubt going to be very challenging, especially with the hot weather conditions. Aragón has historically been a strong circuit for us, but as we’ve seen so far this year, nothing can be taken for granted and we need to be on the limit all weekend,” said Muller.
And the Honda drivers will face a challenging weekend, running their cars 70kg heavier compared to the previous round due to the BoP and compensation weight changes.
“It hasn’t been the most straightforward start to the season so to be second in the points is great, and it’s a good target to try to keep hold of that this weekend,” said Tassi.
“Of course, the consequence of our results in Portugal is a high compensation weight for this round and because of that we expect a tougher time at Aragon, particularly knowing what the pace was like last year, but even so we will push for the maximum this weekend.”
The Audi and Cupra drivers of teams Comtoyou Racing and Zengo Motorsport are expected to perform better this weekend after two dismal race weekends in Germany and Portugal.
The Audis will run 20kgs lighter and carry no compensation weight, the Cupras 10kg lighter and no compensation weight.
“It was a tough weekend [at Estoril], not so much points but I hope in Aragón we will be on the podium, as last year, I’m sure,” said Azcona.
Spectators will be allowed for the race weekend in Spain, with a total of 6400 tickets having been made available for sale.
MotorLand Aragón Schedule
Times in CEST
Saturday – July 10th
09:45 – FP1 – 45 min
12:45 – FP2 – 30 min
16:30 – Qualifying – 45 min
Sunday – July 11th
11:15 – Race 1 – 10 laps
13:15 – Race 2 – 12 laps
