LotusGT1
02-09-2002, 01:43 AM
http://www.swedespeed.com/resources/gallery/cars/00_s60/s60_etcc/large/01.jpg
Oxfordshire, England --James Hanson will partner Rickard Rydell in the Prodrive-prepared Volvo S60 in this year's European Touring Car Championship.
The British driver drove the Edenbridge-prepared, BMW 320, in last
year's Super Production class, finishing tenth overall and two places above team mate, Tom Ferrier. His knowledge of the European circuits was one factor in Prodrive and Volvo's decision to put him alongside the experienced Rydell.
"Hanson is a young driver with a huge amount of potential," said Dave Benbow, Volvo team manager. "In 2001, in his first year in touring cars, he managed to outperform his far more experienced team mate and achieve a third place in the last race at Jarama, beating the eventual champion, Peter Kox, in a works BMW. Prior to this he had already proved he had the talent by winning Rookie of the Year in the US FF2000 Pro Series."
While both drivers will be given identical equipment, Benbow believes Hanson will be able to learn a huge amount from his team mate, Rydell, a previous British Touring Car Champion with more than seven years' experience in similar cars.
Hanson drove Prodrive's prototype Volvo S60 back in December, but his first full test in the car will come in Vallelunga at the Michelin ETCC tire test, where he and Rydell will share driving duties.
"Last year I had great support, however, the Prodrive and Volvo
combination has really raised the game for me in terms of the level of support and commitment," said James Hanson.
"I now have a fantastic opportunity to drive a full works car in a
full works team with one of the most successful businesses in touring car racing. And while I maybe the new kid on the block, I also believe my experience of the ETCC and super production cars will help the team, particularly through the first few races."
Oxfordshire, England --James Hanson will partner Rickard Rydell in the Prodrive-prepared Volvo S60 in this year's European Touring Car Championship.
The British driver drove the Edenbridge-prepared, BMW 320, in last
year's Super Production class, finishing tenth overall and two places above team mate, Tom Ferrier. His knowledge of the European circuits was one factor in Prodrive and Volvo's decision to put him alongside the experienced Rydell.
"Hanson is a young driver with a huge amount of potential," said Dave Benbow, Volvo team manager. "In 2001, in his first year in touring cars, he managed to outperform his far more experienced team mate and achieve a third place in the last race at Jarama, beating the eventual champion, Peter Kox, in a works BMW. Prior to this he had already proved he had the talent by winning Rookie of the Year in the US FF2000 Pro Series."
While both drivers will be given identical equipment, Benbow believes Hanson will be able to learn a huge amount from his team mate, Rydell, a previous British Touring Car Champion with more than seven years' experience in similar cars.
Hanson drove Prodrive's prototype Volvo S60 back in December, but his first full test in the car will come in Vallelunga at the Michelin ETCC tire test, where he and Rydell will share driving duties.
"Last year I had great support, however, the Prodrive and Volvo
combination has really raised the game for me in terms of the level of support and commitment," said James Hanson.
"I now have a fantastic opportunity to drive a full works car in a
full works team with one of the most successful businesses in touring car racing. And while I maybe the new kid on the block, I also believe my experience of the ETCC and super production cars will help the team, particularly through the first few races."