[WTCC] Race 5 & 6 - Marrakech (MAR), 3rd May 2009

[FIRE]

WTCC’s new Compensation Weight system will come into force for the first time on the next event at Marrakech.
The system determines the running weight of the WTCC cars on the basis of lap time calculation.
The bestlap times of the two fastest cars of each model in qualifying and the two bestlap times of the two fastest cars of each model in both races are averaged. The calculation is based on a three event rolling average, except it is applied after the first two events.
The compensation weight for Morocco has been determined by the lap times set in Brazil and Mexico. As a consequence, the SEAT León TDI and BMW 320si have been indentified as the reference models and will receive a compensation weight of 40kg in addition to the minimum weight of 1170kg fixed by the sporting regulations.
All the other cars – Chevrolet Cruze, LADA 110, SEAT León TFSI and Alessandro Zanardi’s BMW 320si (the only one equipped with a sequential gearbox) – will have 20kg deducted from their minimum weight.

Proteam Motorsport will expand to three cars for the next event in Marrakech. The 32-year old Italian Vito Postiglione will join Félix Porteiro and George Tanev at the wheel of a third BMW 320si.
“We add a quality driver to an already strong team. I believe that with the addition of Postiglione, our team is getting even stronger. We will provide all three drivers with the best materials in order to offer them the opportunity to shine,” team owner Valmiro Presenzini stated.
Postiglione boasts an impressive CV, with a number of races won in the Italian and European Renault Clio trophies. His best achievements were victories in the 2003 Vallelunga 6 hours and the 2007 Ferrari Challenge World Final.
“This is an opportunity I was waiting for since long time and I wish to thank Valmiro for supporting me. The programme so far includes some of the European events, then we will evaluate my position in the championship and decide what to do,” he said.

Mehdi Bennani had his first test in the Exagon Engineering SEAT yesterday on the French track of Magny-Cours.
The young Moroccan driver, who will make his first appearance in the FIA World Touring Car Championship at Marrakech on May 3rd, has spent the day at the wheel of the petrol-powered SEAT León car sporting the red-white-green livery of OMNT, Morocco’s Tourism Office.
During the test Bennani was watched carefully by the team principal Luc Marchetti, the team manager Cathy Muller and by her brother Yvan, the reigning WTCC champion.
“Yvan was very generous in giving Mehdi advice. I have to say that we were all impressed by the way this young driver was able to quickly adapt himself to the car and also by the interesting feedback he gave. Obviously it will take some times to be competitive in such a tough championship, but I’m sure Mehdi has the potential to do well,” Marchetti commented.

Source: WTCC pr

[Matt]

Postiglione, I've heard that name before, somewhere.

[duke_toaster]

With the weight changes, coupled with a new circuit, I would not be surprised if (please don't laugh) the Ladas, especially Jaap Van Lagen's, could score points. Eighth and a reverse grid pole? Who knows, although they will lose the weight advantage when they change model.

[helterskelter]

Originally Posted by Matt

Postiglione, I've heard that name before, somewhere.

Super driver, man... Ferrari 2007 World Champion, Ferrari Italian champion, very strong driver with the Clios (Agains Luca Rangoni, just to mention one name) and very strong with the AR 147 GTA Cup. He's gonna surprise a few people, I believe, especially when he learns more about the 320si E90. It's gonna be fun on a track that's new to everyone.

[Duffers917K]

Also the factory BMW's are bringing new bonnet, grill and front bumper/splitter on their car in Morocco.

[Hazard]

Originally Posted by Matt

Postiglione, I've heard that name before, somewhere.

Probably when you ordered your last pizza

[Matt]

Possibly. :P

[Sodemo]

I am expecting a the SEAT domination-train again in Marrakech...

No one else will get a look in surely?

[stedevil]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I am expecting a the SEAT domination-train again in Marrakech...

No one else will get a look in surely?

Are you talking about only the qualy, or the races as well? The draft train will likely be hard to do something about, but for race pace, BMW is up there and everybody else will be 60kg lighter.

[Robbe]

So the TDi's are quicker on the straights... and the BMW are quicker in the corners.

[nickyf1]

Im expecting the TDi's to dominate, this circuit is mostly straights linked with chicanes isn't it?

[Matt]

Originally Posted by nickyf1

Im expecting the TDi's to dominate, this circuit is mostly straights linked with chicanes isn't it?

Also, one huge, tire-punishing left hander.

[FIRE]

From Marrakech and on all the seven European race meetings, Eurosport Events will produce "WTCC Inside", a new innovative 26-minute behind-the-scene programme.
On race weekends a dedicated TV crew will film one specific driver during the whole event, giving a rare backstage glimpse into WTCC. In every meeting a different driver will be hosting the programme: the local hero or a driver fighting for the Championship or the Independents’ Trophy.
In Marrakech, third event of the season, Chevrolet’s Robert Huff will be the first "host" of this new TV programme.
“WTCC Inside” will allow the viewers to closely follow all the excitement before, during and after each event, unveiling some unknown backstage scenes.
The weekend’s racing action, with the winners and the main stories, will be covered from a different point of view and fans will be given the opportunity to follow the action onboard the host driver’s car and to experience the race as if they were at the pit wall of his team.
The inaugural issue of “WTCC Inside” will be aired Tuesday, May 5th, at 23.00 (CET) on Eurosport International.

Source: WTCC press release

[429CJ]

Originally Posted by Matt

Also, one huge, tire-punishing left hander.

...which will destroy the front tires of all FWD cars?

[Matt]

But moreso on the diseasels.

[Alfa Fan]

Originally Posted by Matt

But moreso on the diseasels.

Change the ****ing tune!

[Matt]

Nope. Can't stand those ****ing things.

[Hazard]

We're shortly to pass a diesel whining law on this forum.

Anyway - SEAT's diesel dominance has been threatened already this season, and they've still trounced the opposition.

[429CJ]

Originally Posted by Matt

Postiglione, I've heard that name before, somewhere.

I think it means a postman. In Finnish the postman is postiljooni, which follows the pronuncation of this Italian name quite closely.

[helterskelter]

No Boardman in Marrakech, privateer BMWs will get a -15kg and Tarquini no longer under probation.

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by 429CJ

I think it means a postman.

So will he deliver ?




Sorry

[helterskelter]

Actually Postiglione in Italian means 'horse conductor', which sounds more racing related, doesn't it?
First Test session approaching...

[FIRE]

Testing

SEAT and Chevrolet fast.

[helterskelter]

BMW in trouble, I believe. Look at Zanardi, 30kgs lighter than his teammates

[Robbe]

Coronel seems to be fast. Also Bennani far better than expected!