Coronel to lead new SEAT team

The Spanish outfit, run by former SEAT Sport engineer Juan Orus, will enter a single petrol-engined Leon for the SEAT Holland-backed driver, who moves to the team after three years with the GR-Asia squad.

Although the outfit are not a factory entry, they will have a tie-in with the five-car works operation, which Coronel believes will allow the team to become regular podium contenders.

"My goal is to get three podiums," said Coronel. "Winning races will be difficult but I want to be qualifying from 5th-10th this year, while I was 10th-15th last year. I have always had my best results on street circuits and when it was raining, and I think the car is capable of being on the podium a few more times."

Despite the pace of the SEAT diesels, Coronel thinks the petrol-engined version will be able to run more competitively following the recent rule changes to hold back oil burners.

"The diesel was unbelievable at the end of last season, but now the petrol has had a step up," said Coronel. "The goal of the WTCC is to have everyone as competitive as possible. Everyone should be equal and that will help.

"The other big help will be that for the first time I will be able to do all the testing. In all my time in this championship I have never had any. I have just had to turn up on Saturday and drive. Now after Mexico we will be able to test and that will make a big difference."

Coronel also paid tribute to the GR-Asia team, who have run him since 2005.

"They have been like a family to me and a big help," he said. "Unfortunately we have not been able to fight with the factory cars because there has never been enough budget to test."