By contrast, Macau will be a new experience for both Giovanardi and the works Alfa Romeo team, something which could potentially rule him out of the reckoning; particularly as he has to make up that five point deficit. Indeed, for the Italian team it could well be both their debut and farewell at the circuit after announcing their withdrawal from the championship, with a look at possibly returning in 2007. As a result, Giovanardi will looking to end the year by gifting Alfa Romeo a parting title, as well as add a World title to his 2002 European win. Still, with all three drivers on equal weight, as well as a large handful of drivers looking for victory in the jewel of the touring car crown, predictions for the actual race wins remain just as difficult.
Away from the championship contenders, all of the teams are making a push for a good performance in the final meeting of the year, not least
BMW and Alfa Romeo who have drafted in their own Macau ‘experts’ in the hope of gaining the upper hand in the hunt for the constructors’ championship. As of yet, BMW look almost certain to take the title after a successful round in Valencia took their margin up to 25 points and should they take victory this year it will prove a fitting farewell for the exceptionally successful evolution of the current 320i, a car that will be replaced by a newer model next year.
Nonetheless, Duncan Huisman will make his debut in the RBM run ‘Team Holland’ 320i saloon, while Andre Couto will step into an Alfa Romeo 156 for the first time. Both drivers have an envious history at Macau with Huisman winning in 2001, 2002 and 2003, while Couto has also proved on the pace in recent years racing a Super Production 147 in front of his home fans. Indeed, despite their inexperience in a works team, the pair are seen as dark horses to upset the regular order to take victory on their WTCC debut.
![Jorg Muller [Pic credit: FIA WTCC]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/172822.jpg)
