Chevrolet Cruze Celebrates back-to-Back Wins
The final races of the season were on full gear last weekend as the 2010 World Touring Car Championships (WTCC) came to an end at the streets of Macau with the penultimate race the Philippine Production Car Championships (PPCC) happening at the Batangas Racing Circuit.
Overtaking maneuvers, 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 WTCC Drivers’ Champion. This double success, the first for 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,” Muller said.
“I have no words to express my appreciation and my gratitude to them. It is my second WTCC title, I am really very happy,” Muller added.
Even if the WTCC had arrived in Macau with the Drivers’ title already in the hands of Muller, there was still enough at stake to thrill the fans. Rob Huff claimed a dominant lights-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 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 third and fourth, which means that Chevrolet has been on the podium in 21 of the 22 races this year.
Back here at home, Chevrolet Philippines through The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) also celebrated with its Cruze PhTC (Philippine Touring Car) which also won first and third place at the penultimate leg of the Philippine Production Car Championships (PPCC) held at the Batangas Racing Circuit last weekend.
Cyrille Fontaine, Chevy driver to the Cruze PhTC placed third at the Saturday races and finally won first place at the Sunday races besting a four-car team from its main opponents.
This puts the Cruze PhTC in a close second place in the team championships.
The Cruze PhTC is a manufacturer-backed racecar 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,” BRE founder Pacho Blaco said.
Manila Bulletin Online
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The Cruze PhTC has gone through modifications in every aspect – exterior, interior, power, and handling – but retains the stock engine, brakes and transmission.