N.Technology has confirmed that it will run local driver Andre Couto in the final rounds of the World Touring Car Championship in an attempt to help James Thompson secure the 2007 title.
Thompson, a double winner in Spain earlier in the season, heads into the weekend as one of six drivers still in contention for the title, although he lies twelve points behind current leaders Andy Priaulx and Yvan Muller.
Couto has driven for the team before, crashing out of the lead back in 2005, and he said he was looking forward to being given another chance to impress as he replaces Dutchman Olivier Tielemans in the Italian team's line-up.
“It's quite amazing for such a small squad to be in this position against the likes of
BMW, Chevrolet and SEAT,” the 30-year-old said. “This team is very clever with its equipment and I hope I can give them some insight into the particular demands of Macau, although they have already had a lot of success here!”
Team-manager Andrea Muller admitted that the fact the team is still in contention for the title is down to hard work throughout the season from his squad and said his crew was hoping to follow
Ferrari in coming from behind to secure title glory.
“Our scoring this year has been entirely down to the hard work of our team,” he said. “Strengthening the side with Couto's specialist knowledge can only help, although we are realistic in our championship hopes.
“We will have to be very lucky to win from so far behind, but only a few weeks ago our Italian team Ferrari were in a similar position and they are now World Champions so you never know; we must try!”
![Andre Couto [Pic credit: FIA WTCC]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/186134.jpg)
