Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore was a hub of activity yesterday as the FIA WTCC came to town. Ahead of rounds seven and eight of the championship, on Sunday at Imola, fans got to see the cars close up as well as meet some of the drivers.

These included Italian aces Alessandro Zanardi, Nicola Larini, and Alfa Romeo's former FIA ETCC Champion Fabrizio Giovanardi, as well as the reigning FIA ETCC Champion, Briton Andy Priaulx, and the Austrian driver Sascha Plöderl. The autograph session was more than an hour long to ensure that as many people as possible could enjoy the rare opportunity.

Alessandro Zanardi, who comes from Bologna, was particularly popular and the day completed a memorable week for him as he won the Laureus World Sports Award for the Comeback of the Year 2004.

With a clear blue sky, the famous Neptune’s fountain a striking background for the five racing cars, and large enthusiastic crowds, it was certainly a successful event for all. On Sunday the fans will gather at Imola to see the real show – the bumper to bumper action of the races.
 

The new FIA WTCC handicap weight system is becoming more and more effective. After the first three race meetings of the season, eleven cars already have ballast.

Gabriele Tarquini, who won the first race in Silverstone and and climbed back to second in the championship classification, will carry the heaviest handicap: 55kg. His BMW rivals in the title fight will carry weight. The two Mullers, Dirk and Jorge, will carry 35kg and 30kg respectively, while Andy Priaulx, will not be much lighter than Tarqini with 45kg. SEAT's leading driver Rickard Rydell, who claimed victory in Race two at Silverstone, has 35kg, while the other Alfa Romeo Racing Team drivers all carry weight: Augusto Farfus (30kg), James Thompson (20kg) and Fabrizio Giovanardi (5kg).