Seat’s new engine makes first run in Valencia

SEAT Sport’s new 1.6 litre turbocharged engine for the 2012 WTCC completed its first run Tuesday at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

Test driver and former WTCC race winner Jordi Gené was at the wheel of a SEAT León car, while Lukoil Racing Team’s Gabriele Tarquini could not join the test due to the bad weather conditions that are currently plaguing Italy.

Gené completed more than forty laps of the Spanish track without meeting with any technical issues. He and the team focused on the engine set up and mapping.

"I am very pleased with the work we have done. This first outing was completed without problems and allowed the team to focus on adapting the engine to the circuit. I believe this unit has a great potential for further developments," Gené said.

The team will test again in Valencia next week, with Gabriele Tarquini.