The Macau Grand Prix weekend comes around once more and the WTCC (and David
Lister) make their traditional farewell to the racing season. 2008 was no exception.
After coming close for several years, especially last year, SEAT and Yvan Muller take
the World Championship titles....few in the paddock would begrudge them, worthy
winners both......and of course ORECA can lay claim to a large slice of the credit.
Hughes de Chaunac's top line outfit can add to the silverware collection that already fills
the cabinets.
Some much for the positive, with the loss of the Alfa Romeo brand this year and the
likelyhood that BMW could reduce its involvement in the Championship for 2009, the
WTCC faces a tough time, add the economic disasters engulfing the world and things
look really grim.........
However the WTCC product is essentially a sound one, it will be factors outside thier
control that might sink the ship but it stands perhaps a better chance of survival than
many other parts of the motorsport universe. A new race in Russia recently announced
and next year's expedition to Marrakesh are hard evidence that the WTCC intends to
stick around for the long haul.
Before we have to face up to the grim reality let's remember the great racing this year
and as ever the great photography of David Lister, who has been on the podium more
than most this season..............
John Brooks, November 2008
|
