Chevrolet scores historic first win at WTTC
The Chevrolet WTCC Racing lived a historic day at Brands Hatch last month as Alain Menu scored the first victory of a Chevrolet Lacetti in the World Touring Car Championship. Less than 18 months since its debut in the world's top competition for...
The Chevrolet WTCC Racing lived a historic day at Brands Hatch last month as Alain Menu scored the first victory of a Chevrolet Lacetti in the World Touring Car Championship. Less than 18 months since its debut in the world's top competition for touring cars, Chevrolet has managed to climb on the highest spot of the podium, in Race 2 of the event, also clinching an excellent fourth place in Race 1 with Rob Huff.
The WTCC was held in appalling weather conditions on a treacherous track, but this did not stop Chevrolet from securing their first win. Despite the horrible conditions and the poor visibility, the Swiss driver was able to keep the front position, thanks to an impeccable drive and perfectly cool nerves.
He kept control with no apparent problems, all rivals chasing him, and went unscathed through the safety car period in the middle of the race.
Rain and champagne welcomed him on the podium and Alain was almost moved to tears on seeing the cheering Chevrolet crew and listening to the Swiss anthem. "It is really fantastic!" he said.
"I have won many times at Brands, but this is my nicest victory. The team has done a great job since Friday. We have progressed really well with the set-up of the car and we knew we could do something nice this weekend.
"We made some adjustments between the two races and that helped. Things went well and I was lucky to avoid any mistake and any trouble, despite the very difficult conditions. We still have some work to do to be regularly in the same pace of the leading cars, but we are getting there."
"It is really good to win!" commented Chevrolet Europe's Motorsport manager, Eric Nève. "It is really good for the Chevrolet brand to have beaten brands and teams that have a much longer presence and experience in the WTCC."
The Chevrolet Lacetti range, available as four-door, five-door and station wagon, can be viewed at the Mira Motors Showroom on the Mriehel Bypass or at the International Fair, at the Trade Fair Grounds in Naxxar between July 5 and 16.