Honda, which will make its World Touring Car Championship debut later this season, has high expectations for next year.
The Japanese car manufacturer is currently developing a Civic powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, and will run cars for the 2010 WTCCÂ champion Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro.
The Portuguese will drive the new Civic in the three last rounds of the 2012 championship, in Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau.
Honda’s official entry will be backed by team JAS. Team director Alessandro Mariani didn’t hide his expectations for the future.
"We have two great drivers, I know we have built a very advanced car and Honda's reputation in engine expertise is second to none. We have all the right ingredients, we just need to be patient and take the time to mix them in the best way. We decided to take part in Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau to develop the car on the track. Although Honda is not putting any pressure, we would like to achieve some good results, but our true goal is winning the first race in 2013," Marinai said.
Following Chevrolet’s retirement at the end of this season, Honda will be the only programme supported by a car manufacturer in WTCC in 2013.
The Japanese car manufacturer is currently developing a Civic powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, and will run cars for the 2010 WTCCÂ champion Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro.
The Portuguese will drive the new Civic in the three last rounds of the 2012 championship, in Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau.
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| Honda Civic 2013 WTCC. (Photo: Honda) |
Honda’s official entry will be backed by team JAS. Team director Alessandro Mariani didn’t hide his expectations for the future.
"We have two great drivers, I know we have built a very advanced car and Honda's reputation in engine expertise is second to none. We have all the right ingredients, we just need to be patient and take the time to mix them in the best way. We decided to take part in Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau to develop the car on the track. Although Honda is not putting any pressure, we would like to achieve some good results, but our true goal is winning the first race in 2013," Marinai said.
Following Chevrolet’s retirement at the end of this season, Honda will be the only programme supported by a car manufacturer in WTCC in 2013.