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N.Technology Pushed Hard At Curitiba |
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Monday, 12 March 2007 |
N.Technology’s James Thompson battled hard in today’s FIA World Touring Car Championship opening round making up nine places in one lap at Curitiba.
The British driver was knocked out of the day’s opening round in Brazil and had to start from the back of the grid for the second. Despite the set-back, Thompson put on a valiant charge and only narrowly missed out on the points.
“I was determined to make the most of it,” said the 32-year-old, who had a nervous wait between races as the team worked hard to prepare the damaged car. “Everybody did a great job to fix the Alfa Romeo in time for the second race and there was only one way I was going to repay them; by racing hard and getting as high up on the leader-board as possible.
“Unfortunately, we finished just outside the points but this is only
the first round and this car can do a lot better. I’m sure we’ll show
that at the next round in Zandvoort.”
The former British Touring Car Champion finished 11th after holding back a charging Jordi Gené in the SEAT León for 16 laps.
Finishing the race was a relief, however, after a disappointing opening
round saw several drivers get caught out by the tricky first corner.
Both N.Technology’s cars were caught up in the chaos, with Thompson
managing to make it back to the pits but
team-mate Olivier Tielemans having to watch his first WTCC race from
the sidelines. The 22-year-old put in a solid performance in the second
race, however, finishing in 14th place.
“This weekend was a great learning experience for me,” said the
Dutchman. ”N.Technology has given me a huge opportunity in signing me
for their WTCC team and I want to make sure I learn as much as possible
as quickly as possible.
“The car is good and I have been improving all weekend so I am now
concentrating on making sure that I am ready for Zandvoort, my home
round.”
11 James Thompson (GBR) Alfa Romeo 156 1:27.158
14 Olivier Tielemans (NED) Alfa Romeo 156 1:27.545
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