Rob Huff, the new “mister pole”

Free practice had hinted at a new domination of the Chevrolet Cruze, but it was only a matter of practice. free. Qualifying confirmed this, although the gap with the first “non-Cruze” was not as significant as expected. Leader of the blue armada, Rob Huff did not miss the opportunity to shine again in this exercise. “ I was rather surprised by my time because I made a small mistake in the second sectorhe said. It would be nice to be able to convert my pole into victory tomorrow, like in Curitiba. It's part of the plan ».

Alain Menu, this time, did not let himself be tempted by 10th place in Q1, at the risk of being eliminated like in Brazil. As a result, he passed easily in Q2 and set the 2nd fastest time despite a car that was not up to standard, according to him. “ I don't know why, there are big vibrations when braking, explained the Swiss. My place is therefore a surprise, in particular because I did not take the slightest risk to go faster. So I'm pretty confident for the race ».

Best time in yesterday's tests, Gabriele Tarquini nevertheless expected to suffer, his Seat Leon TDI now no longer able to stand the comparison against the Cruze equipped with the new 1,6 liter turbo engine. “ I am happy with the work accomplished, confided, relieved, the 2009 world champion. I pushed to the limit on my last lap and considering the competitiveness of my car against the Chevrolets, I did not hope to qualify in front of Yvan (Muller). I also benefited from his aspiration before he made a small mistake ».

The first race will kick off tomorrow at 12:20 p.m., the second at 13:35 p.m.

Find, in issue 1802 of AUTOhebdo, on newsstands next Wednesday, the complete analysis of the WTCC meeting in Zolder.