The Honda Civic has long been known for its nimble ways on the racetrack, and this year’s model is no different. In its first full season with factory support, the Civic scored a third-place finish in the first race on the 2013 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). During this past weekend’s competition, Civic driver Gabriele Tarquini took pole position and then clinched second place on the podium. He is now second in the WTCC driver’s standings.
“It is tough to be really challenging at this level,” said Alessandro Mariani, director of the Honda JAS racing team. “But pole position and second place shows the great potential we have. The season is a very busy timetable with many races and we must try to keep up with our development plans in between those races.”
While Tarquini is currently No. 2 in the driver’s championship points, Honda is No. 1 among those vying for the manufacturer’s title.
For those who aren’t familiar with the WTCC, it’s one of the world’s top international racing series for stock-based racecars and is supported by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This is the same organization that sanctions both Formula 1 racing and the World Rally Championship. For 2013, the WTCC will include 12 events across four continents, and one of them will be held at the famed Sonoma Raceway, during the weekend of Sept. 7-8, 2013.
Added Mariani: “I am very proud of the great job that Honda and our staff have done to get us ready for the 2013 Championship, and of the team spirit we’ve created, which will be essential to get us through the challenging campaign ahead.
“And whilst we know it will be extremely difficult as a newcomer to win the Championship this year, for Honda and racing fans around the world, we are making this our goal.”
Courtesy of Honda
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