First pictures of 2014 Honda Civic WTCC released

Honda have released the first pictures of the new Honda Civic touring car from its test at Motorland Aragón in Spain.

Drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro drove the car during the test and Honda President and CEO Takanobu Ito is confident for a strong season in 2014 with the duo.

“We achieved four victories and captured the Manufacturers’ title in 2013 that was our first year of full-participation in WTCC. In the upcoming season we will strive to win the double title for Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ fielding a total of four cars run by three teams,” said Ito.

Cars in the new TC1 class will have more power, lower weight, bigger wheels and more aerodynamics, as visible in the pictures.

The 2014 FIA World Touring Car Championship season starts on April 13 at Marrakech.

Source;
http://www.touringcartimes.com/2014/02/07/first-pictures-of-2014-honda-civic-released/

Honda's 2014 WTCC Civic revealed

Honda has released the first visual of its 2014 World Touring Car Championship challenger reflecting the all new technical regulations for the FIA WTCC which will come into force next year.

The Honda Civic WTCC render shows the 'subtle style of the wheel arch extensions, larger diameter wheels, sleeker aero package and extended rear spoiler'. Add all this to increased engine power and the 2014 Honda WTCC racer is clearly an 'ambitious' car designed to retain Honda's Manufacturers World Championship crown and enable its drivers to challenge for the World Champion title.

Two works cars will be run by JAS Motorsport for Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro next season with further Civics to be entered by private outfits Zengo Motorsport and Proteam Racing for Hungary's Norbert Michelisz and Moroccan Mehdi Bennani respectively.

This announcement follows hot on the heels of the recent unveiling of the new 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Civic Tourer racer, with Matt Neal and Gordon 'Flash' Shedden confirmed as the Honda Yuasa Racing drivers for another season.

Source;
http://www.crash.net/wtcc/news/198722/1/hondas_2014_wtcc_civic_revealed.html

WTCC - Zengö Motorsport switch to Honda

Hungary-based Zengö Motorsport and Norbert Michelisz have secured Honda technical support to take part in the 2013 and 2014 FIA WTCC with a brand new Honda Civic.

The agreement means that Zengö Motorsport have access to all technical developments, although they remain an independent team. The racing car is being built in Italy by J.A.S. Motorsport, while the engine comes from Japan.

Team principal Zoltán Zengö said: “After winning the Yokohama Trophy we needed new goals to aim for. In Honda we have found the perfect partner to fight for the World Championship. We thank Honda Hungary for their support and feel honoured that in Japan and Italy there’s a top level racing car under construction for us. To fully focus the team’s resources, we decided to enter only one car in the 2013 season.”

Norbert Michelisz added : “I'm excited to have the opportunity to join a brand with such a history in motorsport like Honda. In terms of driving, switching from RWD to FWD won't be easy in the beginning, but with the dedication and help from Honda and my team, now I can focus on long term goals: becoming a more complete driver, winning more races and hopefully having the chance to fight for the overall championship in the near future.”

János Reisz, managing director Honda Hungary commented: “From the start of negotiations between Zengö Motorsport and Honda, we and our dealers have done all in our power to help this partnership become real. All the ingredients are there for a successful campaign and we keep our fingers crossed for Norbert and the team.”

William De Braekeleer, Motorsport Manager Honda Motor Europe concluded: “We have always been committed to making the Civic WTCC available to private teams, so we can’t be more delighted with this announcement. Zengö Motorsport are a professional outfit and Norbert Michelisz is a talented driver. We are really honoured by their choice and the trust they are putting in our car. We are pleased to be able to count on them to help us in the manufacturer title’s fight and it is our aim to provide them with the best package.”

Source;
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/wtcc-zeng%C3%B6-motorsport-switch-honda-175020612.html