With a win and a third place achieved in Monza, on his debut in the European Touring Car Championship, Autodelta’s new Brazilian star Augusto Farfus is leading the driver's standings after the first round.

“I consider the races in Monza as a prelude to the season. In my opinion the Italian circuit doesn’t give a clear view of the opposing forces, and Valencia will mark the real start of the Championship.

"This is going to be a long season, and so far all the cars are still improving. Obviously I’m very happy for I won the first race and I’m leading the Championship; however I’m not resting on my laurels because of this.”

Monza proved that the balance between Alfa Romeo and BMW is nearly perfect, will it stay the same in Valencia?

“The new Alfa 156 S2000 is very good, and I’m confident we can do well in Valencia too; but the BMW is also very competitive. Our goal is to stay at the front and go for another win, but despite my good results in Monza I know I still have something to learn: how to manage the car, and race door-to-door with the others.”