Wiechers-Sport head to Sonoma Raceway in California for rounds 17 and 18 of the 2012 World Touring Car Championship after a nine week break after the Brazilian event.
Sonoma Raceway marks the WTCC’s debut in the USA and the field will tackle the 4025km configuration of the circuit, with the first on track action for the series coming on Friday with a 30 Minute shakedown session.
Stefano D’Aste arrives in California sitting third overall in the Yokohama Independents with 75 points to his name while the #26 BMW 320TC driver is 8th overall in the Drivers’ Championship.
The Italian, who took his first career victory in the WTCC at Salzburgring back in May, is looking forward to the challenge of the Sonoma circuit
“I like the United States very much,” explains D’Aste. “It is the first time for the WTCC in the USA and I think that is a good thing. I hope that many people will come to the race track.
“Americans are passionate motorsport fans. I know the track, so I’m very excited about my first trip. My hope is the local temperature. I wish high temperatures, because this should bring us a small advantage over Chevrolet and Seat. Chevrolet beaten in their own country would be great! ”
The summer break has given the team time to recharge their batteries according to Dominik Greiner.
“Stefano and our team are very motivated. We could recharge our batteries in the long summer break. Now we travel in a good mood to the United States. We are looking forward to the race in Sonoma, which will probably be for all teams and drivers territory,” explains Greiner.
“Our roadmap is therefore to retract neatly in Sonoma points, so we can still have a say to award the title in the Independents’ Trophy come Macau!”