ROAL, Engstler complete Italian test

Tom Coronel was the man in charge of driving duties for ROAL Motorsport, working with the BMW 320 TC, although his running was cut short by some electrical issues.

It was the first test for Coronel with the team he will compete in during the 2011 WTCC season.

"We are quite happy with this test that was the first one with the new car and the new driver," said team boss Roberto Ravaglia. "Therefore our priority was to establish a good understanding between Tom and the team. So far the car is going well.

"Compared to the 320si with the 2-litre aspirated engine, the 320 TC is a little bit more complicated to run, especially in terms of the engine itself and engine management. Though I must say that BMW Motorsport is providing a great technical support for the engine development, so we can focus on the right set up for the first races in Curitiba."

He added: "I think that Coronel was the best choice we could make. I know him since his maiden touring car race, back in 1991 or 1992, when we shared a BMW M3 in Pergusa.

"I like him, because he is a professional and very fast driver, but at the same time he is also capable of adapting himself to the team, rather than asking the team to adapt to his wishes."

Team Engstler, meanwhile, ran two cars at the Italian circuit, with Franz Engstler, Kristian Poulsen and Hong Kong racer Marchy Lee taking to the track.

"I like the car. It is nice to drive," said Engstler. "However it will take some times to get used to it, because it is important to change the driving style compared to the BMW 320si we were racing until last year. That one required a very smooth driving while the 320 TC needs a more aggressive style."

Augusto Farfus also took part in the test, the Brazilian carrying on with the technical development of the new turbo engine built for the WTCC teams. He completed 143 laps with no technical problems.