Villa switches to WTCC with Proteam

The 23-year-old old had spent four years in the GP2 Series, before leaving at the end of the 2009 season to compete in the Spanish Mini Challenge.

He will now make his WTCC debut this season, driving a BMW 320 TC fitted with the new 1.6 turbo engine from the Bavarian manufacturer.

"This is a new stage in my sporting career that motivates me a lot," said Villa. "The WTCC is, along with the F1 and the WRC, one of the three official FIA World Championships and, of course, the most important touring cars series, with manufacturers such as BMW, Chevrolet, SEAT and Volvo taking part.

"My team this season, Proteam, is one of the best as shown by the various titles won in the Independents Trophy. My target this season will be to gather experience and fight for the Independents Trophy and looking forward to getting a works drive for 2012."

Villa, who will also defend his title in the Mini Challenge this year, will race alongside Mehdi Bennani and Fabio Fabiani, who have also joined Proteam for the WTCC season.

"The fact that I'm joining Proteam means that I must claim good results," said Bennani.

"I am confident, because all the ingredients are there. The team is very professional, I know most of the tracks and Proteam's BMW is among the best cars in the field."