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Double One-Two For The Cruzes In Monza!

Huff wins twice ahead of Muller, lead extended in both championships

2011-05-15

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The Chevrolet Cruzes swept the floor in today, taking a double 1-2 win at the legendary Italian circuit. Huff won both races, becoming only the third driver to achieve winning both races at one event in the WTCC’s history.  The double win extends his lead in the Drivers’ provisional standings, where he precedes team mates , today second in both races, and , who had a mixed weekend due to contact in Race 1 and fought back to a brilliant 5^th position in Race 2 from starting at the back of the grid.

Today’s results show the level of competitiveness achieved by the Cruze 1.6 turbo and allows Chevrolet to be a solid leader in the Manufacturers’ standings. As the blue cars are ahead, the Chevy drivers put on a good show, fighting for victory among them but always keeping the brand’s and RML’s interests at the top of their priorities.

·         QUOTES

Huff (1^st / 1^st): “I am of course elated with today’s results. It’s fantastic to win both races and to build such a strong lead in the championship. I will now be able to concentrate on taking valuable points at every race. I was already happy after Race 1, we had a good fight with Alain, and even had contact at Ascari, but I was eventually able to keep the lead and win.  In Race 2, I had a good start, passing Monteiro, even if he braked a bit late for the first chicane. Afterwards, Yvan was quick through Ascari and able to use the tow to come back, so it was not easy to stay in front. At one point, because I was a little bit on the dirty side of the track, I had to brake early and Yvan touched me unintentionally, letting me in first position after that.”

Yvan Muller (2^nd / 2^nd): “In Race 1, Alain was able to pass me and to fight with . One lap from the finish, Alain came out a little bit slower from one corner and as he closed the door on me, we unfortunately made contact. I'm sorry he went out on the gravel because of that. In Race 2, I did my best but kept the inside line everywhere and it was impossible to overtake on the outside with the same car. We came to contact when he braked very early into the Parabolica, I was really surprised! I'm not happy with second place but it's OK for Chevrolet in the championship! I'll keep fighting in the next races and shall see how the situation develops.”

Alain Menu (Ret / 5^th): “In Race 1, I was able to overtake Yvan and battle for the lead with . It was a good fight! Unfortunately, I locked my front wheels once and touched him at the rear but no drama. It was a pity that Yvan made contact with me in the lap before last when I closed the door on him. I know it was not intentional but I was the one who paid the price... Starting from the back in race 2, I knew there was little hope. I had a great race and could finish 5^th,  which means valuable points even if I'm not very satisfied with my overall score this weekend, but the season is long and  everything is stillpossible.”                                                                                                                     

Eric Nève: “Another great team result with a double 1-2 in both races! It's a dream for both Chevrolet and also for . Our car is the most competitive at this stage but the competition will also have access to turbo power in the near future so we have to stay focused. From the sporting point of view, both races were very stressful, but we have decided to let our drivers go for it, without any team orders. It's great for the show and we are happy with the solid leadership in the Manufacturers’ standings.”

RACE 1 RESULT

1. R Huff               Chevrolet Cruze        9 laps in 18m07s398

2. Y Muller            Chevrolet Cruze        + 1s291

3. T Monteiro         SEAT León TDI          + 4s239

4.        BMW 320 TDI             + 4s269

5. T Coronel          BMW 320 TD              + 4s499

9. D O’Young        Chevrolet Cruze          +10s506

Ret. A Menu         Chevrolet Cruze        7 laps (accident)

RACE 2 RESULT

1. R Huff               Chevrolet Cruze        9 laps in 18m10s032

2. Y Muller            Chevrolet Cruze        + 0s242

3. M Poulsen         BMW 320 TD              + 3s559

4. T Monteiro         SEAT León TDI          + 6s211

5. A Menu             Chevrolet Cruze        + 8s896

6. D O’Young        Chevrolet Cruze          +10s089

DRIVERS POINTS STANDINGS AFTER RACE 6 OF 24:

1. R Huff (Chevrolet), 120 points; 2. Y Muller (Chevrolet), 84; 3. A Menu (Chevrolet), 79; 4. T Monteiro (SEAT), 58; 5. G Tarquini (SEAT), 52; etc.

MANUFACTURERS POINTS STANDINGS AFTER RACE 6 OF 24:

1. Chevrolet, 242 points; 2. SEAT, 150; 3. BMW, 132; 4. Volvo, 40.