The WTCC 2008 season has finally got underway for N.technology at the two-day FIA WTCC official test in Valencia. It was a very promising debut for the team’s brand new Honda Accord Euro R that James Thompson will drive in the championship from the next race meeting that will take place in Valencia on May 18th.

what a beauty.

It is just a shame for Thompson it is not a Manufacturer team...

It might not be a shame. Honda never won the BTCC with a factory effort, but the private Team Dynamics won it twice.

Maybe so in BTCC... but in WTCC I doubt a privateer can compete against the factory teams of BMW and Seat.

N-Technology are not really a privateer, that's why they aren't running for the independents cup.

I would agree that under normal circumstances they wouldn't have a chance, but the WTCC is under the FIA Touring Car Bureau which will make the Honda competitive, of course this year having missed 4 races they have no chance but don't be surprised if Thommo wins races.

Indeed... they have ensured Seat a clean run to the title this season... maybe it will be Honda's turn next year... <LOL>

Of course by then BMW will have switched to the ALMS.. <whistle>

sadly, i dont think they will. the new euro civic type r isnt really a patch on the integra.

such a shame the integra is only a 3 door car. such a fine machine.

BMW can always run their own diesel, it's a mystery to me why they haven't.

Here is one explination from Autosport's news editor & WTCC correspondent Edd Straw

"Despite winning last year's drivers' and manufacturers' title, BMW haven't been in a position to win race one of a weekend for almost a year, leading to the threat of the marque launching their own diesel WTCC car.

Despite the rumours flying around that this car could be introduced imminently after Jorg Muller set some eyebrow-raising times in a barely race-developed test hack in the winter, the lack of an oil-burning 320si road car means it would be four months before it would be eligible to race even if they committed to a production car run now.

But should BMW be forced down this road - which motorsport boss Mario Theissen is not keen on - this could have serious repercussions for the championship.

Chances are, such a car would be a rocket ship because BMW diesel production engines are so strong, then where would that leave the WTCC's other marques - Chevrolet and the effectively fully-independent N.Technology/JAS Honda team if the rules still give oil-burners the edge?

Still, it's better than the alternative of a BMW withdrawal, which has been suggested in some quarters. It's no coincidence that Theissen was bringing pressure to bear for a rules rejig on the same weekend he was celebrating his team's first Formula 1 pole position!"

The Bureau should of course reduce the SEAT's power to compensate, thats what it is there to do.

It might take action if BMW do threaten to go else where, but by the time they do act it will be too late for this season, and possibly too late to stop BMW leaving.

I guess it is a case of wait and see... :(

One of them is going at this rate. And thats the end of the WTCC.

Maybe Alfa-Romeo will return if BMW leave...

Unlikely given that their team is running Hondas. Alfa were the only manufacturer who could fight BMW on more or less equal terms, their clearing off hasn't helped the WTCC.

Well much as I enjoy my juants to Brands each year, I don't think I shall be going this year... at least not for the WTCC...and definitly not to DTM.

Hell, that only leaves Bikes <yikes> but I'd better wait for the WSB next year <thumbsup>

A1GP next month, John? I shall be there!

I'd love to go but it is the wife's birthday that weekend (2nd) and her brother and Fathers (5th and 7th) so will be down in Poole that weekend.

Actually next weekend looks good... Classic Car Championships

and the best part is the E30 based 'Easytrack Production BMW Cup' <think>