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WTCR Q&A: Mehdi Bennani

Mehdi Bennani will carry the hopes of an expectant nation on his shoulders when his home event, WTCR AFRIQUIA Race of Morocco, signals the start of an exciting new era for world touring car racing. And the Sébastien Loeb Racing driver will be one of the favourites for victory in his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.

The FIA World Touring Car Championship gets a new name and new rules in 2018. What are the prospects for an exciting season?
"Very high because all the cars are very close to each other so it means the championship will be very tricky between each driver and each team, even higher than what we have seen in the WTCC. Around 15 drivers can be champion this year in my opinion."

Does that make you very excited?
"Yes, sure. I am very motivated because we have a higher level to reach to be strong, to be fighting for the top position. And to start this new series in Marrakech is very special. I hope in my home race I will be able to fight for the podium for Morocco because I will have big support from my home country and I hope I can give them many thanks with a good result."

What difference will have three races per weekend make?
"We also have two qualifying so it means we need to be much more prepared than before. We also need to fight to keep on all four wheels so we can fight in all three races. If we have a crash early the weekend can be over. We have to fight on the limit but we also need to look after the car. It will be very tough for everybody."

How can you and your new team-mate Rob Huff help each other? You know the team but he knows the car...
"We have a big responsibility because we are the only two drivers to have Volkswagen Motorsport behind us. We know SLR is very professional with a really nice and strong image and they have done very nice results. I know them for a few years and we are building each other's confidence. They are very proud to have Volkswagen Motorsport's support and I am also very happy to have a seat with them. We know already who is Rob. He is one of the fastest drivers in the world, he is already world champion. We have been fighting very closely each other in the championship. He knows how to set up the car because last year he was already driving the Volkswagen. I hope we will be able to find a way how to work with each other and make the car stronger race by race."

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com