2010 -WTCC heads for the next rounds in Marrakech

• 26.04.2010
• Press Release

Munich, 26th April 2010. After a seven-week break for BMW Team RBM, this coming weekend sees the FIA World Touring Car Championship return with rounds three and four. Augusto Farfus (BR) and Andy Priaulx (GB) are looking to add to their points with the BMW 320si WTCC in Marrakech (MA).

At the beginning of March, Priaulx finished fifth in the first race while Farfus came home in sixth in both races at the season curtain-raiser in Curitiba (BR). Last year the “Circuit de Marrakech” did not prove to be a happy hunting ground for BMW. Chevrolet picked up wins in both races. Despite some modifications to the layout of the circuit, the track could once again be better suited to the competition than the BMW 320si WTCC.

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):
“We have taken advantage of the break after the season opener in Brazil and spent a lot of time on the track testing the BMW 320si WTCC. This has allowed us to concentrate on some detailed improvements. However, our car is now in its fifth season. Furthermore, the regulations only allow very limited development. For this reason, major development breakthroughs are rarely possible now. In addition, the layout of the circuit in Marrakech does not really play into our hands. Despite these obstacles, we will fight hard to return from North Africa with a successful result.”

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):
“In 2009 Marrakech was heavy going for us. During the WTCC’s debut in Africa our car was just not suited to the track. However, with the help of data we collected we should be better off this time. Nevertheless, we are not the favourites. Apart from our performance, I really enjoyed Marrakech. The event was very well organised, and the paddock well up to European standards.”

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):
“That was a long break, as far as the World Touring Car Championship is concerned. Despite this, Augusto and I have still spent a lot of time in the car and done a lot of testing. We have also contested various GT races with the BMW M3 GT2, so we have definitely not been bored. Last year the event in Marrakech was a great show. I like the country and the city’s special flair. From a sporting point of view it will not be easy, but we are 100 percent motivated.”