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Chevrolet announce shock withdrawal from Touring Cars

By MJP Media | 5 July 2012

Chevrolet today announced that they are pulling out of the FIA World Touring Car Championship at the end of the 2012 season.

Yvan Muller currently leads the 2012 WTCC standings

In a move which sees the 2010 and 2011 World Touring Car Champions and 2010 British Touring Car Champions leaving the series, many were surprised as their all conquering team were again the cars to beat in 2012. In the announcement Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe said: "Following a strategic review of our motorsport and marketing programs we have decided to leave the FIA World Touring Car Championship at the end of the 2012 season to focus our Chevrolet brand activities in other areas."

The American manufacturer entered the WTCC in 2005 and since then has claimed two drivers' and constructors' titles, including 59 race victories. "We are extremely proud of the two double World Titles we have won in the Series and of the 59 victories over the last eight years. The WTCC has been a powerful brand platform and showcase for Chevrolet in Europe and markets throughout the world. Chevrolet and RML now aim to go out on a high, by securing our third World titles together." said Docherty.

Chevrolet celebrate a 1-2-3 victory at Donington Park last year

Ray Mallock Limited has been solely responsible for the running and the development of both Chevrolet's WTCC and BTCC works teams since the start in 2005. The team initially ran with the Lacetti, but that was replaced by the hugely successful Cruze in 2009. Ray Mallock went on record as saying "Everyone at RML is very proud of the multiple championships we have won for Chevrolet in the WTCC and BTCC. I would like to thank Eric, Chevrolet and General Motors for this most productive partnership. Over the last eight years we have played a key role in promoting and building the Chevrolet brand across the world. RML works for several major car companies in supporting their motorsport and road car marketing programmes. Overall our business continues to grow and we currently have more active enquiries from major OEMs than at anytime in our history. We aim to continue winning in every category in which we compete. It goes without saying, that the whole RML team remain very focused on securing both the 2012 WTCC Drivers' and Constructors' Championships."

The WTCC Chevrolet drivers for the past 2 years and in 2012 are Yvan Muller, Alain Menu and Rob Huff , with Muller currently leading the 2012 Championship. Jason Plato won the 2010 British Touring Car Championship with the Chevrolet Cruze and won more races than anyone else in the championship in 2011, although was narrowly unable to defend his title.

Jason Plato in his 2010 championship winning Chevrolet Cruze

"Naturally, making this announcement comes with very mixed emotions. This has been an amazing journey from our first season through to the double championship wins with the Cruze. We are extremely proud of the success we have achieved, including giving GM its first FIA World Champion titles, and would like to thank and pay tribute to the WTCC, BTCC, RML, our drivers, partners and fans. We are now all focused on the remainder of season and bringing home the third consecutive double Championship titles for Chevrolet." said Eric Nève, Chevrolet Motorsport Manager.

Chevrolet is the sole manufacturer entry of the WTCC 2012 while Honda has announced a two-car effort for the 2013 WTCC, with rumours abounding that the British pairing of Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden could be involved. After 2012, Chevrolet will focus on single-seater racing, IndyCar, and GT Racing, mainly in the USA.

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