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Tom Coronel says works World Touring Car drivers get an easier ride from officials

Former World Touring Car independents class champion Tom Coronel says there is inconsistency in how penalties are meted out to privateer and factory drivers in the series

Speaking after Saturday morning practice at Valencia, where last year he was penalised for a clash with Proteam BMW driver Javier Villa, Coronel said he was surprised to see that Chevrolet driver Rob Huff only received a reprimand after incidents in the 2012 season-opener at Monza earlier this month.

"Last year in the second race here there was a misunderstanding between Villa and me for the win," said Coronel. "It was not my intention to touch him, if you look at the camera from the inside of my car I didn't move or brake, but we both went out.

"This is motor racing, and this is Tom Coronel - there is never a dull moment.

"Looking at the incidents Rob Huff was involved in at Monza, I really think there should be more consistency between the punishments handed out to the factory drivers and the privateers.

"If I do it I get punished, and get put back, whereas after Monza Huff just received a reprimand."

Following the on-track clashes between the factory Chevrolet drivers at Monza, Coronel expressed his hope that any further infighting among the RML drivers could work to his advantage.

"We should be able to get a podium here, especially if the 'blue smurfs' [works Chevrolets] start playing again like in Monza," said Coronel.

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