23.03.2004 AUTODELTA'S GABRIELE TARQUINI AND FABRIZIO GIOVANARDI ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW ETCC SEASON

With a new car, the Alfa Romeo 156 S2000, and two new drivers out of the three-driver line-up, with the prodigal son Fabrizio Giovanardi and Brazilian youngster Augusto Farfus joining Gabriele Tarquini – the Alfa Romeo Autodelta team is aiming for another successful season.

“As the reigning champion I have to be confident,” Tarquini says. “However the level of the championship is growing, and the gap between Alfa and BMW and the other competitors is shrinking.

"SEAT has improved a lot and we expect them to compete at the top in most of the racetracks. And also Peugeot has shown good potential when they joined the test in Magny-Cours. The fight will be closer, the show will be greater, and winning will be even more rewarding.”

Concerning the new car, Giovanardi said: “I feel at ease with it, as it is just the latest evolution of the 156GTA I developed two years ago. We are confident it will mark an improvement compared to last year’s car, lthough not a big one, because the regulations are so tight.”

The 2002 ETCC champion got back to Alfa Romeo after one season spent at BMW Team Italy-Spain. “I wish to make up from the disappointment of last year. I feel in good shape, and I know the team will do their best to win another championship. I have everything to be confident.”