Could Buenos Aires race give Coronel the edge when WTCC resumes in Argentina?

Tom Coronel could hold an important psychological advantage over his FIA World Touring Car Championship rivals when the all-action season resumes in Argentina next month.

A double winner in this year’s WTCC, Coronel will contest the Buenos Aires 200 Kilometres, a round of the Argentine Súper TC2000 series. Taking place on 31 July, it’s one week prior to WTCC Race of Argentina, it means the Dutchman will be more than match fit when the world championship stops off in South America from 5-7 August.

Coronel has signed to drive a Peugeot 408 for the Escudería FE outfit and will partner local driver Luciano Farroni, runner-up in the lower level TC2000 series.

“The Buenos Aires 200ks is a motorsport event with a long heritage and this year, it takes place one week before we race in Argentina with the FIA World Touring Car Championship, so it was an opportunity too good to miss,” said Coronel.

“I always love to be in Argentina,” added Coronel. “It is a great country with friendly people who are really passionate about motorsport. I expect a good crowd and a great atmosphere, and what better way could there be for me to prepare for the WTCC round the following weekend at Termas de Río Hondo?”

Several of Coronel’s WTCC rivals have also contested the event in the past. They include Rob Huff, Yvan Muller, Gabriele Tarquini and former Súper TC2000 champion José María López,