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Thompson gets WTCC return drive in Slovakia

"Our regular driver René Münnich will be busy"

By Franck Drui

8 April 2016 - 12:13

Thompson, winner of the second-ever WTCC race following the championship’s revival in 2005, will deputise for René Münnich in the ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1 at the Slovakia Ring from 15-17 April.

Münnich has a clashing commitment to drive his self-built SEAT Ibiza RX in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, leaving his Chevrolet vacant for WTCC Race of Slovakia.

“We are very happy to welcome James Thompson to our team,” said Dominik Greiner, Team Manager. “Everybody at ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport is delighted to see ‘Thommo’ behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Cruze TC1. James is a true legend in touring cars with two BTCC titles and four WTCC race wins so far.”

Having not raced in the WTCC since Marrakech last April, Greiner wants Thompson to focus on reacclimatising to the rigours of a TC1 World Touring Car and the all-action nature of the on-track competition.

“The most important thing for James next weekend will be track time; to drive and learn the car,” said Greiner. “And in the races we hope that his great experience will help him to finish both races in a good position. For the moment it’s only a one-off event for James but we have some more clashes for René in RX during the season so let’s see how we all end up during the weekend.”

Of Münnich’s absence from Slovakia, Greiner explained: “Our regular driver René Münnich will be busy at the same weekend behind his all-new and 100 per cent self-made SEAT Ibiza RX car during the first round of the World RX in Portugal. René likes the Slovakia Ring a lot, therefore it was not an easy decision for René to decide either between FIA WTCC or World RX. But RX Portugal will be the first round of the season and it’s important for the first event of his own manufactured SEAT Ibiza RX car. Everybody at ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport put a lot of effort in the two rallycross cars over the winter and we are proud and happy to see them on track soon. René will be back in the Cruze for the WTCC at the Hungaroring.”