Argentine driver joins Chevrolet at Monza

Argentine Touring Car star Leonel Pernía will drive a fourth Chevrolet Cruze LT in the WTCC Race of Italy, at Monza on May 23rd. He will be the first Argentine to race in the FIA World Championship.

The 34-year old driver from Tandil (Buenos Aires) has emerged as a top runner in the competitive TC2000 Championship in Argentina from 2006. At the wheel of a Honda Civic car run by Equipo Petrobras he claimed two race victories and in 2009 was vice-champion behind his team-mate José María López.

Chevrolet Motorsport boss Eric Nève explained: “It is a privilege for us to have Pernía at Monza. In our strategy towards conquering the WTCC title this year, it is useful to enter a fourth car in selected events, entrusted to drivers who have proven pedigrees in touring car racing. Moreover, the presence of Leonel can boost the visibility of the WTCC in South America and the image of Chevrolet in a key market like Argentina.”

Pernía commented: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to race in the world’s top touring car championship and with a front-running team like Chevrolet. This is an unexpected and wonderful chance for me and I hope to contribute to the team’s success in Monza. I know the level in the WTCC is very high but I am confident that my TC2000 experience will prove useful.”