by Ollie Barstow
It was a controversial, some say overtly rash, decision by the
FIA to tamper with its weight policies so early in the season, but whether you empathise with the rear-wheel BMWs or side with the front-wheel drive Alfa Romeos and SEATs, there is little doubt that by slashing 20kg off the latter competitors, the World Touring Car Championship was turned on its head last time out at
Silverstone.
As the series heads south again to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Imola circuit in San Marino for rounds seven and eight, the battle lines have been drawn out for what could become an exceptionally close Championship tussle.
Lighter than ever before, Alfa Romeo and SEAT came to fore last time out at Silverstone as
BMW battled against the bulk, with both teams scoring an impressive win each. Indeed, despite having made a rather conservative start to the year, Alfa Romeo silenced their critics in the most convincing way possible, annexing the top four places in race one with Gabriele Tarquini leading home James Thompson, Fabrizio Giovanardi and Augusto Farfus Jr. Although the second race did not go entirely to plan with Giovanardi and Thompson spinning off, Alfa Romeo signalled its intent at Silverstone and expectations are as equally high for Imola – effectively the second of the team’s home races this year after Monza.
