Rob Huff is aiming to repay Sebastien Loeb Racing’s efforts in preparing a brand-new Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR car for this weekend’s FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) at the Slovakia Ring with a strong set of results.
Huff’s original chassis was damaged beyond repair in the widely-seen multi-car pile up at Vila Real during the Race of Portugal three weeks ago, with team-mate Medhi Bennani also requiring a new car.
The French outfit have turned around a pair of brand-new cars in time to compete at the 3.6 mile circuit, with Huff now poised to reinvigorate his title challenge.
He currently sits seventh overall in the table, 52 points adrift of current championship leader Yvan Muller, with a maximum score of 87 available this weekend.
The 2012 WTCC champion has endured his share of bad luck with five DNFs thus far, but the pace has been evident – not least with back-to-back pole positions in Portugal and the Netherlands.
“Portugal should have been an exceptional weekend for us,” reflected Huff.
“My team-mate, Mehdi Bennani, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCRs prepared by Sébastien Loeb Racing were very quick, but unfortunately [accidents] happen in motor racing.
“Now we just have to look ahead and prepare for Slovakia. As the two cars were destroyed we’ll have two new ones, which means twice as much work for our guys.
“Our aim is to put on as good a performance as possible to thank them for all the work they do for us.
“I’d also like to say a big thank you to all the people who sent us messages of support. It’s very touching and makes a big impression to see the number of people who were worried about our health.”
The action starts with the opening free practice session at 11:40 BST.