EUROPEAN TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Jarama 2002
FIA European Touring Car Championship
02/06/2002
 
30/05/2002
Preview - Volvo
 
Jarama podium hopes for Volvo



Following James Hanson's first Volvo points, from the last race at Brno, the team is heading to the Spanish circuit of Jarama in a bid to get back on the podium in the FIA European Touring Car Championship.

The Volvo S60 Super 2000s have shown their speed and performance in all the three events this season. With fast cars combined with Rickard Rydell's experience and James Hanson's increased confidence, the team is looking a strong challenger for the Alfa Romeos that have dominated the series so far.

Hanson finished in fourth and fifth places at Brno, scoring his first points of the season. He showed that he was on the pace by setting second and fourth fastest lap times in the two races. Hanson said, "We stayed in Brno to test, so I had time to drive, and also to share Rickard's telemetry. This is helping me to learn and to grow more confident. I like the Spanish track, and I am really looking forward to the next meeting. I think that the Volvo should be competitive, and that Rydell stands a good chance of winning. As for me, I still have to learn to be patient, which is very important with a front-wheel-drive car, but after Brno, I am beginning to hope for a podium finish."

Rydell agreed with Hanson's optimism. "We should have a good chance at Jarama. The Alfas will have the advantage on the long straight but the Volvo should be good round the corners - our pace should be as good as at Brno."

The team has worked hard to prepare the car for Jarama in a short timeframe and Dave Benbow, team manager, feels that a good result is possible this weekend. "After the extremely encouraging increase in performance at Brno I'll be looking to consolidate this at Jarama. The minimum of a podium in each race is deserved by everyone on the team."



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