With the sudden end in sight for Alfa Romeo, the remaining three drivers in the team will be using Macau as an opportunity to send the Italian manufacturer out on a high. Although the combination of Tarquini, Thompson and Farfus has yielded three wins, the trio have been overshadowed by Giovanardi throughout the year. Their chances of achieving good result too are hindered by the drivers’ lack of experience compared to their German rivals on the Hong Kong circuit, even if they will be hauling less weight than their main rivals.
With the announcement that Alfa Romeo will be bidding farewell to the WTCC after Macau, SEAT are look set to step into their shoes as the main rivals to the all conquering
BMW team – with Thompson and Tarquini both making the switch to the Spanish team where they will be joined by former BTCC champion Yvan Muller. Although often considered as a meagre contender compared to their two main competitors, SEAT stepped into the limelight at their home round in Valencia with a commanding performance that belied the new León’s lack of development.
Although the car was raced for the first time by Rickard Rydell and Peter Terting at Valencia, it was Jordi Gené who put his team mates in the shade by securing a surprise pole position for the first race and then adding to that with his first ever win for the team. With Terting finishing third, the Leon looks set to work on the foundations laid down by the consistent Toledo and all three drivers are confident of beating both Alfa Romeo and BMW at Macau.
![Jorg Muller [Pic credit: FIA WTCC]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/172822.jpg)
