WTCC boss Marcello Lotti calm over Chevrolet's exit
World Touring Car general manager Marcello Lotti says Chevrolet's impending departure from the series is simply part of motorsport
Lotti also believes that the arrival of Honda from 2013, and ongoing negotiations with other manufacturers, will allow the WTCC to withstand the loss of such a "precious partner."
Chevrolet announced it would leave the series at the end of 2012 on Wednesday after a strategic review of its motorsport and marketing programmes. The manufacturer has taken 59 victories so far in its eight-year spell, and won both the drivers' and constructors' championships in the past two years.
"This is motorsport: manufacturers come and go. It happens to all the series every now and then, but life goes on," Lotti said.
"We now say goodbye to Chevrolet that has been a precious partner for what an unusual long period for a motorsport programme, but at the same time we welcome Honda's arrival and are in negotiations with a few other car makers interested to join."
Eurosport Events managing director Olivier Fisch pledged that the WTCC will remain an "efficient promotional platform" for manufacturers to promote their cars and brand.
"We thank Chevrolet for supporting the WTCC over the last eight years. We very much mutually benefited from each other, and we fully respect their decision," he added.
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| Series | WTCC |
| Author | Sam Tremayne |
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