SEAT works team back to WTCC in 2013? Also, Facelift Leon in 2012 WTCC for Tarquini!

[alesi27]

Hopefully so.

"I have received offers from other teams, but in the end I decided to stay with a Spanish team, first because they will use SEAT's new engine, and secondly in view of a possible return of the SEAT Sport works team in 2013," said Oriola.

More here
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97393


Also, pics of the FL Leon being tested...

http://fiawtcc.com/Read_News.asp?idnews=1158

 

[m0rk]

Would be interesting... but the interest levels in the WTCC seem to be pretty low, but it's not an "expensive" World Championship to enter, so seems attractive to people

 

[alesi27]

Yes, still a Honda works entry is coming in at some point in 2012, and Lada are back and have signed James Thompson for good measure. Arena are entering with a couple of Focuses, and we may see a couple more Leons from STR in conjunction with their BTCC program. Looking like it could be an interesting season, with the Volvo C30 hopefully building on the promise shown last year. Up the underdog...

The 1.6 litre Turbo engine in Gabby's Leon this year is a fully SEAT badged unit, and not a Sunred one. With the new SEAT dealerships opening in China and the races in Shanghai and Macau it should make sense to have a full works program back to promote the brand there.

If they do bring a works team back, I wonder if the Mk3 Leon will appear in WTCC in 2013?

 

[AndrewJB]

There will be at the moment 4 Leon's next season

Lukoil Racing
Tarquini
Dudukalo

STR
Boardman

Sunred
Pepe Oriola



Tiago Monteiro is also testing the 1.6T so will either reappear for Sunred or (Fingers Crossed) sign for STR

 

[IainW]

Yes, still a Honda works entry is coming in at some point in 2012, and Lada are back and have signed James Thompson for good measure. Arena are entering with a couple of Focuses, and we may see a couple more Leons from STR in conjunction with their BTCC program. Looking like it could be an interesting season, with the Volvo C30 hopefully building on the promise shown last year. Up the underdog...

No Volvo sadly. They're putting all their money into the TTA series in Sweden. Big shame, the car had a lot of potential.

 

[FSiLeonMike]

Hopefully so.

Also, pics of the FL Leon being tested...

http://fiawtcc.com/Read_News.asp?idnews=1158

Not strictly a facelift car.

Has a facelift tailgate, and cunningly placed black vinyl on the front bumper, to give the impression of the current facelift FR/Cupra bumper

Actually still running the 2007 onwards TDi front bumper, as it incorpaorates extra ducting for the turbo intercooler (plus its FIA homolgated)