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They said what? Drivers look ahead to WTCC Race of Morocco

Ahead of the FIA World Touring Car Championship season-opening WTCC AFRIQUIA Race of Morocco here's what some of the leading drivers have had to say.

Norbert Michelisz (Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team): "My target is simple: to become world champion this year, and that has to start with a good points score in Morocco, especially while the Civic isn't carrying any compensation weight. Last year we were very fast at the revamped Marrakech circuit, which features a lot of low-speed corners and rewards a car that is well-balanced under braking and has good traction. Several upgrades to the car were made at our final pre-season test at the Hungaroring and I think we've taken a significant step forwards compared to where we were even a few weeks ago, so everyone in the team can feel confident of a strong performance."

Néstor Girolami (Polestar Cyan Racing): "I raced on a lot of street circuits in Argentina and I enjoy them a lot. From looking at pictures and videos, it's a very difficult track but you have to go to the limit - although a little bit less to avoid stupid mistakes in Free Practice - so you can push very hard in qualifying because being fastest in qualifying is 90 per cent of the weekend."

Mehdi Bennani (Sébastien Loeb Racing): "We know that it's a big challenge to do a race in this level so every time we need to renew the car, try another set-up. There will be a moment when we are struggling but this is the level of the WTCC. Marrakech is a nice track with lots of fighting and everybody is on the same level. You need to do everything on the limit but you can't touch the wall so it's a mix between. Sometimes you need to go on the limit, sometimes you need to flirt a bit with the wall. My preparations have been a mix between training and promotional work. I have a good programme of training with a new coach for this year and we try to be stronger in the physical way. But there are lots of events with partners and it's important to be present."

Tom Coronel (ROAL Motorsport): "It's a very difficult place. I've had some really bad memories there after two big crashes two years ago and three years ago. Last year we won so it's a big up and a big down. I feel confident on street tracks but we should be clever because it's the first race of the season and we have a good package. I am confident I can be on the podium."

Zdroj: fiawtcc.com