WTCC Marrakech - Race : They said...

Gabriele TARQUINI: “The first race was shorter than usual. I had a small gap at the start but the safety car made it easy. I had no problems with the car. I think the key moment was when Huff lost the slipsteam as it is easier to challenge and fight for position when you are in the slipstream. I am very pleased with the weekend overall. Curitiba was a good track for us and so was Marrakech. Depending on what weight we have, Monza should also be good for us.”

Andy PRIAULX: “It was really tough and we didn’t expect this coming into the weekend. It’s a great result as the team have worked really hard since Brazil. I’m just glad I past Menu in Race 1 as this gave me the pole for Race 2. It’s disappointing for the fans and viewers that we didn’t get more time racing though. But even with just two racing laps it was hard work. I had to work really hard to keep heat in the tyres. I am really chuffed for everyone at BMW Team RBM. It just shows all the effort they have put in has been worth it, so a big thank you to everyone.”

Rob HUFF: “I had a good start and was holding on to Tarquini then I got a tap from Fredy (Barth) which put me sideways. I am not really sure how I managed to hold it without hitting the wall but Tiago (Monteiro) was also helpful to allow me space to sort myself out and continue. I had to defend quite strongly in some places towards the end but then the safety car came out.”

Yvan MULLER: “All weekend has been very tough because it’s so easy to make a mistake around here. I managed to keep the car on the road and take some good points for our championship. It’s difficult to say if I would have been able to pass Priaulx without the safety car. It would have been tough as we were more or less the same speed.”

Tiago MONTEIRO: “It was a very good weekend. We always had the pace so I wanted some points. You have to take opportunities when they are presented and I saw Huff and Barth fighting up ahead and hoped I could take advantage. I didn’t want to be too greedy though so gave Rob (Huff) space. I was lucky though as I picked up some damage to my front left suspension so I think the safety car helped me get to the end.”

Tom CORONEL: “It was tough as we haven’t had a lot of testing. I think now I understand the car better though so from now on it could be a nice season. I understand the strengths and weaknesses of the car so from hopefully things will start to turn around for us.”

Fredy BARTH: “It was nearly a podium in Race 1! It was really great though. I made a good start and managed to avoid the accidents. It has definitely been a good weekend. The goal was to stay on track and that is the goal for the rest of the season as I think it’s important to get experience and finish all the races. I was lucky after touching Huff as I had some smoke but everything was OK. I then also past Farfus but it’s all been good experience.”

Franz ENGSTLER: “I dropped back in the early stage, but then I was happy I managed to get back to lead the Independents. Then the safety car came out but it was much better than in Pau last season!”

Mehdi BENNANI: “I am very happy. After starting the season with a third in Brazil I got another one here earlier today. Then the victory in the second race means I can really fight for the Independents’ title now. I made a good start in the race but the safety car also helped.”