WHO HAS THE YOKOHAMA ADVAN-TAGE?!


Media information, 9 March 2007


With only days to go before the start of the 2007 season, Yokohama ADVAN looking forward to the FIA World Touring Car Championship(WTCC) exciting opener in Curitiba, Brazil this weekend.

The tyre manufacturer used the winter break to develop its ADVAN performance tyre, building on the strong base that was achieved throughout 2006. After a successful first season in the WTCC, the Japanese manufacturer has earned the respect of teams and drivers alike and will supply the same specification slick and rain tyres during 2007.

Round one, in Curitiba, will see WTCC's second appearance at the Brazilian track which provided some thrilling battles last season. The circuit tests the cars rubber with its many bumps and heavy breaking and features a particularly challenging middle section, making the right tyres key to success.

Curitiba is a fairly fast circuit, which suits my driving style very well,said Farfus Jr who started from pole last year.
"I wasn't on pole there for nothing in 2006! The S-bend in the middle section of the track presents a particular challenge, but I am optimistic that we will make a good go of it as we start the season."

Changes to the starting procedure for 2007 will hopefully produce even closer and more exciting racing, with race one now featuring a rolling start rather than the traditional standing start, which will still be used in Sunday second race.

The race format of the FIA World Touring Car Championship is continuously improving, said Yokohama European Marketing Manager,Kazuyoshi Sekiguchi.
Last year was our maiden season in the championship and one of our biggest objectives was to provide equal performance tyres for both the front and rear-wheel drive cars. I believe that we can be proud of what we have already achieved and the new starting procedure shall contribute even more towards a level playing field for all the cars.

"Our tyres have shown consistency throughout the races. Last year, here in Curitiba, they were so consistent from start to finish. However, we will carefully inspect how our tyres perform under real summer weather conditions since the track temperature could be 15-20 degrees higher than last year."

This year also sees Yokohama ADVAN expand its role as tyre supplier to cover the new single-seater series International Formula Master which will start racing in May this year.

Live coverage for round one of the WTCC in Curitiba starts this Saturday on Eurosport at 19:00 CET, with the two back-to-back races shown at 16:00 CET.