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WTCR Q&A: Denis Dupont

The 25-year-old Belgian will carry the hopes of a nation on his shoulders - and his Comtoyou Racing Audi RS3 LMS - when he contests the inaugural FIA World Touring Car Cup for the RACB National Team. He's had this to say.

A dream opportunity, what does it mean to you?
"It's a great opportunity to drive for Comtoyou Racing in the WTCR with the support from the Belgian federation."

Why did they pick you?
"I learn fast, that's one of my good points. It doesn't take long for me to go fast on a race track normally."

And you'll need to learn a lot of tracks in 2018 because they'll all be new to you?
"I don't know any of the tracks so it will be a great challenge. Last year it was the same in TCR International, I did not know Dubai or Zhejiang but still I was fast so I am not very worried about that."

Apart from the financial support, how else do you benefit from the RACB's backing?
"I train with them five times a week and I also get a coach, Marc Duez or Bas Leinders, during the race weekends or whenever I have a question."

What knowledge do you have of your new Audi - have you driven it yet?
"The car has just come back from the last race of last year. We haven't done any tests yet but we know the programme and it's going to be okay."

What would represent a successful season for you?
"It's difficult to say a ranking but of course we want to perform well and we have to target some podiums."

Was motorsport a family thing?
"Not really family, always my thing. I did some karting at world and European level when I was younger. Then I stopped to do my Masters degree which takes five years in Belgium."

And way from racing?
"I have a Masters degree in economics waiting for me but now I focus 100 per cent on my career."

Zdroj: fiawtcc.com