The World Touring Car Championship’s most successful manufacturer, Chevrolet, has today announced that it is to withdraw from the series at the end of the 2012 season.
The decision comes following a strategic review of the marque’s motorsport and marketing programs. Chevrolet have been the sole full-time manufacturer represenatitve in the series for the past two seasons, following the withdrawal of SEAT at the end of 2009 and BMW at the end of 2010.
“Following a strategic review of our motorsport and marketing programs we have decided to leave the FIA World Touring Car Championship at the end of the 2012 season to focus our Chevrolet brand activities in other areas,” said Susan Docherty, Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. “We are extremely proud of the two double World Titles we have won in the Series and of the 59 victories over the last eight years. The WTCC has been a powerful brand platform and showcase for Chevrolet in Europe and markets throughout the world. Chevrolet and RML now aim to go out on a high, by securing our third World titles together.”
Chevrolet have been involved in the WTCC since the resurrection of the series back in 2005. Since then the team, run by RML Ltd, have taken 59 wins and two driver’s titles, with a third extremely likely to follow in 2012. For Eric Nève, the announcement has not been an easy one.
“Naturally, making this announcement comes with very mixed emotions,” said Nève. “This has been an amazing journey from our first season through to the double championship wins with the Cruze. We are extremely proud of the success we have achieved, including giving GM its first FIA World Champion titles, and would like to thank and pay tribute to the WTCC, RML, our drivers, partners and fans. We are now all focused on the remainder of season and bringing home the third double Championship titles for Chevrolet.”
RML (Ray Mallock Limited) have been the manufacturer’s preparation partner since its first foray into the World Championship in 2005. Despite the recent withdrawal of the works Chevrolet team in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at the end of 2011 and now the WTCC, Mallock is optimistic for the future of his firm.
“Everyone at RML is very proud of the multiple Championships we have won for Chevrolet in the WTCC,” said Mallock. “I would like to thank Eric, Chevrolet and General Motors for this most productive partnership. Over the last eight years we have played a key role in promoting and building the Chevrolet brand across the world and the success of this programme has also been a great platform to develop the RML brand globally.
“RML works for several major car companies in supporting their motorsport and road car marketing programmes. Overall the business continues to grow and we currently have more active enquiries from major OEM’s than at anytime in our history. We aim to continue winning in every category in which we compete. It goes without saying, that the whole RML team remain very focused on securing both the 2012 WTCC Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.”
Although Chevrolet are set to leave the WTCC at the end of 2012, the series already appears to have a stronger 2013 season in the pipeline. Honda have already committed to a works entry for next year, with JAS Motorsport preparing a brace of Honda Civics which will enter two rounds at the end of the 2012 season. In addition LADA look likely to return to the series full-time following a couple of exploratory outings during the 2012 season thus far.