Honda are predicting that hot temperatures and 60 kg of compensation weight will prove to be a ‘tricky’ combination in this weekend’s World Touring Car Championship races at Termas de Río Hondo.
The Civic WTCC cars will continue to be laden with 60 kg of weight for the second successive meeting in Argentina, where the championship resumes this weekend.
Rob Huff, who is the lowest-placed of the works trio heading to the eighth meeting of the year in seventh overall, is raring to go again after the six-week long summer break.
“It’s been good to have a few weeks to recharge the batteries, but I’m raring to get back behind the wheel of the Civic WTCC in Argentina,” said Huff. “Río Hondo is typical of modern circuits with a good blend of corners and a hairpin at the end of a long straight that should provide a decent overtaking opportunity.
“After the great team performance in Portugal we’re again carrying 60 kg of compensation weight, which could make things a little tricky if we get high temperatures, but we’ve seen the car perform well virtually everywhere this year and there’s no reason to think we can’t be in the hunt again this weekend.”
Hungarian racer Norbert Michelisz is just one place above Huff in the championship, with three points separating the duo. He is also predicting that the weight and temperature will place increased importance on tyre management.
“The last six races have been very good for me as I’ve scored points in all of them and made it to the podium four times,” said Michelisz. “It has helped me to keep up a good position in the championship; only a few points away from second place overall.
“With 60 kg of compensation weight, a lot of long corners and high temperatures expected, tyre management will be key. I’m sure we can do a good job and score some big points for Honda to help improve the championship position.”
Argentina is four hours behind the UK and five behind Central Europe, giving European WTCC fans the chance to watch the action in the early evening, with the Opening Race at 14:05 local time (18:05 BST, 19:05 CEST) and the Main Race at 15:20 local time (19:20 BST, 20:20 CEST).