Larini signs for Chevrolet

[JMeissner]

After Alain Menu, Chevrolet Europe has signed Nicola Larini as another experienced driver for its 2005 FIA World Touring Car Championship campaign. The 40 year- old Italian has driven in 49 Formula 1 Grands Prix and many touring car races during his successful career that led to two titles in the 1992 Italian Superturismo championship and the 1993 DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft). Larini raced many years for Alfa Romeo, and between 2001 and 2003 he won eight rounds of the FIA European Touring Car Championship that is turning into the FIA WTCC in 2005.

“I just could not miss the opportunity to join a world-renowned brand like Chevrolet that has a long record of wins on tracks from Indianapolis to Le Mans,” said Larini. “Chevrolet now is entering the new World Championships at a time when they will be even more competitive with the new brands joining. I am extremely focused on this challenge and I am sure that my experience as a developmental driver will be an asset for this program.”

Chevrolet will compete in the FIA WTCC with three Lacetti cars prepared by UK based Ray Mallock Ltd. Eric Nève, in charge of the racing activities within Chevrolet Europe, commented: “With Nicola and Alain we are happy to have two very popular and experienced drivers in our team. With such a strong driver line-up, we now plan to offer our third cockpit to a young driver who has had some initial success with front wheel driven race cars.”



Source: ETCC media

[JMeissner]

Originally posted by JMeissner
...we now plan to offer our third cockpit to a young driver who has had some initial success with front wheel driven race cars.”

Ooh, who could this be... Huff anyone?

[BootsOntheSide]

Rob Huff would make sense - indeed there's a thread there on the very subject. Bentwood and Hines fit that description nicely as well. I'm sure there are plenty of international dfrivers who could be mentioned though.

[touringlegend]

If the Chevy has the performance, a Menu - Larini - Huff line up would be very strong indeed.

[Go_For_Pole]

Hmmm you really think so? IMHO if Huff gets the ride he will beat them easily.

It really makes wonder why RML would opt for Larini. They already have plenty of experience from Menu, they could do with a proven winner like Giovanardi or any of the Opel DTM squad that doesn't get a Vectra.

[John Winter]

Originally posted by Go_For_Pole
Hmmm you really think so? IMHO if Huff gets the ride he will beat them easily.

It really makes wonder why RML would opt for Larini. They already have plenty of experience from Menu, they could do with a proven winner like Giovanardi or any of the Opel DTM squad that doesn't get a Vectra.

Well, Jeroen Bleekemolen fits the description of young driver with FWD successes too (He was Dutch Touring Car Champion in 2000).

[JMeissner]

Originally posted by Go_For_Pole
Hmmm you really think so? IMHO if Huff gets the ride he will beat them easily.

Isn't that a bit exaggerated to say that he will beat them easily...

[Jimeth]

IMHO Huff is nowhere near the league of Menu and Larini yet. And i don't know if he will be ever. Don't get me wrong he's a very good driver, but that good??

[BootsOntheSide]

Agreed - a young driver like Huff could never beat proven stars like Menu and Larini, who have between them won almost every Touring Car series worth winning

[racingdad]

Firstly, I believe that Rob is the chosen driver.
Secondly, it isn't realistic to believe that Rob would 'beat them easily' nor is it true the he 'could never beat proven stars like Menu & Larini'. Menu is very special and I think Rob will learn a lot from him, but at the same time, he was on Jason Pato's pace by the end of this year, so will be in the mix, that's for sure.

[mountainstar]

I'm sure Larini will be a help, but I'm a bit confused. He said after his alfa sacking that he never really got to grips with front wheel drive and that he was looking to drive sports cars in the future.

[Go_For_Pole]

Mountainstar has got it guys. Larini was never comfortable with the S2000 cars and that was with the best car of the field and a couple of years ago. I do wish him well, but I just don't see him to be competitive.
Yeah, like you say, both Larini and Menu are proven hands. No doubt about that, as there is little doubt that Huff is (and will be) still learning. However, he was matching Plato, he has proven that he got touringcar contact sussed out. That's enough proof he is capable.
And finally guys you have seen this year how Paffett beat Schneider, so show some trust to the young guns. After all nobody is unbeatable.

[Dani Filth]

i can't think of a series with more competitive line-ups than WTCC .how many major titles do next year drivers have . must be close to 20 ..

[BootsOntheSide]

Nicola didn't seem to do too badin the ETCC originally though, he took plenty of race wins and only lost out to Giovanardi for the 2001 title.

[JMeissner]

Indeed, Larini is very quick in FWD touring cars.

[Go_For_Pole]

Exactly Boots, he beat Giovanardi but then lost from Tarquini. And this year Tarquini beat Giovanardi. See a patern?
BTW he openly admited that the S2000 cars puzzle him with their low power-fwd configuration.

[FIRE]

Has Huff experience on the European circuits?

[Les]

very much doubt it as he has been in FVauxhall, FPA, FRenault, Clios & Seats (oh and MGs) - none of those known for their foreign rounds.