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Lada completes Magny-Cours WTCC test with 2014 Granta

Lada completed a maiden test of its 2014-spec Granta TC1 World Touring Car at Magny-Cours last week

The team's two British drivers, James Thompson and new recruit Rob Huff, took the wheel on Thursday and Friday.

The test, close to technical partner ORECA's engine department at the former French grand prix venue, is likely to be the penultimate occasion Lada will run prior to the first WTCC round at Marrakech on April 13.

Lada team principal Victor Shapovalov commented: "The Lada Granta TC1 is completely different to its predecessor, both in terms of new parts and elements and in terms of the whole approach to car building from the point of geometry.

"We widely used the experiences gained during the previous season, but more flexible technical rules have allowed us to make the car more competitive due to some innovative suspension development solutions.

"With the advent of the new regulations, we have been able to solve some problems we experienced in 2013, while retaining the core benefits of the base car.

"The advantages of the Granta's short wheelbase are still with us, in particular, its manoeuvrability.

"The new engine, made by ORECA, gives the car even more potential. In particular, the acceleration at the corner exits has improved significantly.

"On the whole, the team is satisfied with the first shakedown. The initial runs confirmed that the team has managed to find the best balance of the car."

Lada's third driver Mikhail Kozlovskiy is expected to join Huff and Thompson for the final pre-season test.

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