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WTCC: Seat is preparing a comeback

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Khatir Soltani
Seat withdrew from the World Touring Car Championship at the end of 2009, but the Spanish car manufacturer is set for a partial return in 2012, before a full factory programme in 2013.

The Seat Leon TDi have been run in 2010 and 2011 by private teams, especially by team Sunred, who ran former Seat drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro, alongside several technical members of the Spanish constructor.

Team Sunred developped the cars since 2010, including the new 1.6-litre turbo engine that replaced the 2.0 litres following the change in the technical regulations.

Seat Leon WTCC Pepe Oriola
The young driver Pepe Oriola at the wheel of a Seat León this season. (Photo: WTCC)

In 2012, Seat will be back with a customer racing programme, and will work to develop the engine. This should be the starting point for a full factory return for 2013.

"In 2012, this León could still be competitive... having a proper engine, and also with some ideas that we have with weight distribution and everything," said Jaime Puige, director of SEAT Sport to Touringcartimes.com.

"So for next year it could be competitive, but obviously it's going to be customer racing (programme), it's not going to be as much as the Chevrolet is as a factory (effort). We are working to homologate a 1.6 engine, and then we will see for 2013."

At the same time, Ford is rumoured to announce its participation to the 2012 WTCC championship, with three Focus run by a semi private team.



Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada