Their expectations make for compelling reading - “It is probably not worth kidding ourselves that we will win immediately. But nonetheless, we have a realistic chance, even a very good chance (of winning),” Alexander Nikonenko, AutoVaz’s head of sports competition told Reuters.
Behind the PR talk though, there is a surprising amount of influence behind Lada’s desire to become a sporting heavyweight, with interest going all the way to the top.
A recent influx of foreign manufacturers like Hyundai and Nissan is threatening Lada’s position as the best selling brand in their home country and has prompted President Vladimir Putin to promote national pride. Infamous Russian trademark Lada is key to that restructuring.
Furthermore, a recent deal with the country’s second largest bank has injected a mammoth $5 billion into the Lada cash flow, indicating just how serious they are at enhancing their reputation within the next few years.
It remains an ambitious move though and there are a number of issues that need to be resolved before Lada make it onto the WTCC grid, reportedly before the end of the season.
Firstly, beyond national class rallying and touring cars in the former Soviet Bloc, Lada have yet to make an impact on the world of motorsport, while the team that will be overseeing the project, MTEC Sport, is also a novice when compared to the likes of AutoDelta, Schnitzer and Ray Mallock Ltd that currently lead the way in the WTCC.
No drivers have yet to be announced either and while an American driver has been mooted to enhance marketing potential, no names have yet filled the frame.
![Lada unveil the prototype of its WTCC challenger in Moscow [Pic credit: FIA WTCC]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/185079.jpg)
