WORLD TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP IN MACAO (CHINA) THE ALFA ROMEOS OF COUTO, FARFUS AND TARQUINI ON THE SECOND AND THIRD ROWS

The qualifying session for the last event in the World Touring Car Championship was held today, Friday November 18, on the city circuit of Macao (China). The Alfa Romeo Racing Team was very competitive and put three cars on the two front rows. Local driver Andre Couto set the second best time (2' 32.334"), behind Priaulx (BMW, in pole position with 2' 31.712"), and ahead of his own team-mates Augusto Farfus (2' 32.466") and Gabriele Tarquini (2' 32.524"). Fabrizio Giovanardi, who is a contender for the Drivers title, was ninth (2' 33.653"); British driver James Thompson was unlucky (17th in 2' 35.383"), unable to set a fast lap because of all the red and yellow flags that continually slowed down or interrupted his practice session. The treacherous, narrow circuit in Macao proved to be highly selective. There are no escape lanes, so mistakes are not an option. Gabriele Tarquini in particular realised this when, after a contact with the guardrail, he was hit involuntarily by Rydell’s Seat that came up on him from behind. The damage to Tarquini’s Alfa 156 still has to be assessed, as has the possibility of swapping cars with a team-mate.

The two races will be held on Sunday November 20, starting at 11.40 am local time (4.40 am Central European Time).

Turin, November 18, 2005

Qualifying in Macao (China)

1. Priaulx (BMW) in 2' 31.712"
2. Couto (Alfa Romeo) in 2' 32.334"
3. Farfus (Alfa Romeo) in 2' 32.466"
4. Tarquini (Alfa Romeo) in 2' 32.524"
5. Larini (Chevrolet) in 2' 32.808"
6. D. Muller (BMW) in 2' 33.062"
7. Rydell (Seat) in 2' 33.328"
8. Menu (Chevrolet) in 2' 33.572"
9. Giovanardi (Alfa Romeo) in 2' 33.653"
10. Huff (Chevrolet) in 2' 33.867"
17. Thompson (Alfa Romeo) in 2' 35.383"

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