Chevrolet Cruze Team takes WTCC Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ Titles

November 23,2010

Here’s some news from Chevrolet about the World Touring Car Championships campaign of the Cruze:

The final races of the season were on full gear as the 2010 World Touring Car Championships comes to an end on the infamous streets of Macau.

Overtaking manoeuvres, incidents and red flags provided plenty of excitement to spectators and TV viewers in a day that culminated with Chevrolet celebrating a double world title. Chevrolet won the Manufacturers’ WTCC title, while Yvan Muller was officially declared Drivers’ WTCC Champion. This double success, the first of Chevrolet and GM in a FIA-sanctioned world championship, seals a perfect finale to the outstanding campaign of the Chevy Cruze throughout the season.

“It’s fantastic to conquer the title in my first year with Chevrolet. It’s never easy to be competitive straight away with a new car and a new team, but integration into this wonderful team has been easy, as I received a lot of support from every member of the team. I have no words to express my appreciation and my gratitude to them. It is my second WTCC title, I am really very happy, I want to enjoy every single second of this success and share it with all the people that made it possible. Moments like this are so rare in life that one has really to take the chance to savor and enjoy them fully!” said Yvan Muller, Chevrolet WTCC Champion Driver

If the WTCC had arrived in Macau with the Drivers’ title already in the hands of Yvan Muller, there was still enough at stake to thrill the fans.
Rob Huff claimed a dominant light-to-flag victory in Race 1, giving Chevrolet the Manufacturers’ title. He posted the fastest lap time in the first test session for the FIA World Touring Car Championship finale at Macau. The Chevrolet-driver lapped the legendary street track in 2:33.120, three tenths faster than his team mate Alain Menu.

The championships were conquered with bravura, as Chevrolet drivers Rob Huff and Yvan Muller took a double win in Race 1, after a faultless flag-to-flag performance. In Race 2, the Chevrolet duo had to fight hard to pass Farfus, finishing 3rd and 4th, which means that Chevrolet has been on the podium in 21 of the 22 races this year. Fortunately for Team Chevrolet, this was not enough for Huff to take the runner-up position in the championship, as he finished tied in points with Tarquini, declared vice-champion only on number of wins. Alain Menu had a more difficult weekend but showed again his tremendous team spirit and personal bravery, having to cope with the sad news of his dad’s death. The Swiss finished Race 1 in 7th position, after a contact with the wall in lap 1, but could not take advantage from the first row position in Race 2, as a mechanical problem got him stuck on the grid. The involvement of Chevrolet in the WTCC strengthens Chevrolet’s presence in the international racing scene.

To add local excitement and flair, Chevrolet Philippines – The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) also has the Cruze PhTC (Philippine Touring Car) which also won first and third place at the final leg of the Philippine Production Car Championships (PPCC) held at the Batangas Racing Circuit last November 20-21. Cyrille Fontaine, Chevy driver to the Cruze PhTC placed 3rd at the Saturday races and finally won first place at the Sunday races besting a 4-car team of its main opponents. This will give the Cruze PhTC in the lead to continuously gain more success at the final leg of this race series come January 2011.

The Cruze PhTC is a manufacturer-backed race car in the Philippines that is presented by Chevy Motorsports Program in partnership with Blanco Race Engineering (BRE), Motul, Concept One Wheels, A-TOY’s Body Kits, Freemuff, MJ Auto-Shop, Turbo Large Format Printing, Recaro, Auto Plus, Ultra Racing, Blanco Marketing and Philippine Auto Club (PAC). The Cruze PhTC has gone through modifications in every aspect – exterior, interior, power, and handling – but retains the stock engine, brakes and transmission.

“Team BRE is very proud to be part of the Chevrolet team. This is a big achievement for us since this is a first for BRE given that we only started this season – especially with the constant development of the systems needed for the win. We want to thank God the Almighty and Chevrolet Philippines – TCCCI for letting us be part of this great opportunity. This victory is the result of the team’s hardwork and passion for the brand. We are grateful for everyone that worked hard for it. This new season for Chevy and BRE gives us more excitement which strengthens our bond that will definitely be beneficial as we continue our participation in the many Philippine races in the near future.” Shared by BRE Founder, Francisco “Pacho” Blanco.

“We, Chevrolet Philippines, couldn’t have been more proud of Chevy’s accomplishments in the racing circuit both international and local. This championship further reiterates the power and performance of the Chevy Cruze, dominating not just the highway but on the racetrack as well! We congratulate the team that made the back-to-back wins possible. We look forward to more success for Team Chevrolet.” added Atty Albert Arcilla, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of TCCCI.

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