Less than one month before the start of the season Tom Coronel has revealed the livery of the RML-built TC1 Chevrolet which he will race in this year’s World Touring Car Championship.
Dutchman Coronel will however not be present in this week’s official WTCC test session in Valencia, instead opting to race in the Taiwanese Super 2000 Championship at the weekend. As Coronel did not place one of the first two orders for the car (which have instead gone to Hugo Valente and Tom Chilton) his car is not likely to be finished in time.
“Of course it is unfortunate not being able to put the first miles on the Roal Motorsport Chevrolet in Valencia this week and to get used to the car, but it is what it is,” said Coronel. “Only days ago RML finished production of the first two cars based on the new TC1 specs and my chassis will probably not be ready before the end of next week.
“[At the] beginning of April I will most likely drive the first meters in the car as part of a short shakedown on the Adria track. After that the car will immediately be transported to Morocco, where the first WTCC races for the 2014 season will take place. A tight schedule, but there is no other option.”
Coronel is looking forward to be able to continue to compete in the WTCC – his tenth consecutive at the top level of touring car racing.
“I’m already really satisfied that I will at least compete in the WTCC this year, again with Roal Motorsport and with the car that won the championship for the past couple of years, now in the new TC1 specification,” added Coronel. “Which means an increased output to 380hp (+80 hp), new technology, a wider appearance and more aerodynamics. I would really like to thank my existing and new sponsors for their support to make this happen!”
