Lopez: I’m proud to represent Argentina

Argentina’s local hero José María López speaks about his participation in the next WTCC event at Termas de Río Hondo.

You will be only the second Argentine driver to race in WTCC, after Leonel Pernía back in 2010. Are you excited?

“Of course I am excited! I was offered the opportunity to race myself in 2010, but I was forced to decline because I was fighting for the TC2000 title. Now that opportunity comes up again and at the right time. I feel very proud to represent my own Country in a World Championship and I wish to thank the Automóvil Club Argentino and the event promoter for offering me this second chance.”

You are one of the most experienced and competitive Argentine drivers. You regularly race in Turismo Carretera, Super TC2000 and Top Race. How do you figure the WTCC cars?

“I’m a lucky guy. I had the opportunity to race many cars in Argentina and also in Europe, so It will be a good experience for me to test this WTCC cars. Because of the technical specifications, I figure that the WTCC cars are similar to our TC2000 machines.”

In the past you had the occasion to measure yourself with some of the WTCC drivers, when they took part in the Buenos Aires 200 Miles. Were you impressed by them?

“They always impressed me when they came to Argentina. I even had the privilege to share my car with Gabriele Tarquini. And now it will be very nice to see him again and race against him and the others.”

You will be the only driver in the event at Termas de Río Hondo with knowledge of the track. How much do you think this will help you, considering the limited track time allowed by WTCC?

“I think that I will have an advantage only in Friday’s testing. In WTCC there are some of the best touring car drivers in the world, therefore I expect them to be very quick in learning everything about the track...”

You will be racing in a Wiechers-Sport BMW. Both the team and car proved competitive and won races last year and in the current season. What are your expectations in terms of performance and results?

“I will definitely give my best to the team. I will always drive at hundred per cent, with the aim of achieving a good result for the team and the Argentine fans that will come to the track to see me racing.”

This is the first visit of WTCC to Argentina. How do you think the Argentine fans will react? Do you expect a big crowd?

“Argentines are really great fans of motor sports. Yes, I do expect a lot of people to come to the races.”