PAU (QUALIFYING), 2 June 2007 – In the friendly atmosphere and the unique scenery of the Pau circuit, the Chevrolet team signed a fantastic performance in the qualifying session for tomorrow’s WTCC Race of France. Alain Menu scored the second pole position of the 2007 season, with a 4 tenths advantage over the competition, while Nicola Larini was an impressive fifth despite the 45 kg success ballast in his car and Rob Huff an excellent sixth. Both Nicola and Rob will be one position ahead in the grid, as third-fastest Farfus is under a 10-positions penalty. Following the one-two in Zandvoort and another podium finish in Valencia, the three Chevrolet Lacetti’s are in a very favorable position to bring home more good news to the team in tomorrow’s race, although races in street circuits are always treacherous and unpredictable.

QUOTES

Alain Menu: “I am of course very happy about this second pole position. We knew we could do a good result here in Pau, but the outcome, with the three cars in the top five on the grid, is beyond expectation. I am really impressed with the team’s work and the performance of my team-mates, especially Nic, despite the significant weight handicap. As far as I am concerned, I could set my fastest time at the third attempt, towards the end of the session, and I really had to drive to the limit to achieve that time. It is, of course, very important to be in the pole in a circuit like Pau and it is also positive that Race 1 kicks off with a rolling start, much will depend on how things will be after the first corner. It is a long race and everybody will be pushing hard”.

Nicola Larini: “I am really happy, I did not expect to be in the top five which such a high ballast, but the car really worked and felt well. I think I could even have improved my time, but unfortunately I jumped a little bit too hard on a kerb at the 1st corner and damaged something in the front left suspension. After that the car did not feel the same and I had some trouble steering. Eventually the shoulder of the tyre broke and I had to stop on the side of the track. But it has been a good day for the team and I think we’ll have our chances tomorrow”.

Rob Huff: “I clipped a kerb early in the session and had to spend some time in the pits for some suspension repairs. So, I had a slow start of the qualifying session but things went better and better after that. I am pleased with the car, the result and most of all with the consistency and the good pace throughout the session”.

Ray Mallock: “I am very pleased with what the team and the drivers showed today. It was a good surprise to see all three cars in the top five and in an urban circuit, this tells a lot about the performance of the drivers. There will be no particular strategy tomorrow, we have to go for the podium and, if possible, for the victory!”.