WTCC representatives present:
Nicky Catsburg, LADA Sport Vesta
Mato Homola, Campos Racing
Sébastien Loeb, Citroën Total WTCC
Norbert Michelisz, Zengő Motorsport
François Ribeiro, WTCC General Manager

Q:
Where does the Slovakia Ring lie in the heart of the WTCC?

FR:
Right in the middle! We are coming to the halfway point in the championship and for four years we come to the circuit. Not many people outside of Slovakia know this but Slovakia is the biggest producer of cars per capita and that means 30 or 40 per cent of the families live from the automotive industry. We have a circuit, a government for which the automotive industry is very important but we have been missing a local hero. I remember one year ago Mato sitting here next to Sébastien and saying it would be a dream for him to drive in the WTCC next year. I said over the winter we would do everything we can to support him and now his dream is coming true. The level in the WTCC is very high and the level is rising very quickly and this year it’s higher than last year and last year was much higher than the year before with new cars, drivers and manufacturers. New cars, manufacturers and drivers continue to come and for this weekend we also have a driver from Argentina, Néstor Girolami, who will be very strong. It will not be easy for Mato but we’re very happy to put him on the grid and it’s a good story that an ETCC driver comes to the WTCC.

Q:
How much does it mean to you to be doing this race in the WTCC?

MH:
I’m really pleased to be here in the WTCC. I’m very thankful to François Ribeiro, to my sponsors and my family to achieve my dream because this dream is coming true.

Q:
You have to switch between two different types of car this weekend – your ETCC SEAT and your WTCC Chevrolet. How will you cope?

MH:
It’s normal – I just go out from one door into another! Seriously though I will have to concentrate and learn another car. I’m feeling really good, I’m not nervous. I want to be cool. I will do the maximum result possible and we will see.

Q:
You won here last year when the second race was cancelled because of the rain. Are you praying for rain again this year?

SL:
Not really. Last year for sure I won in the rain but I hope I am also able to win in dry conditions. We try to work hard since the start of the season and sometimes we work well, sometimes less. I have good memories from this track. It’s a track I like and enjoy and hopefully we can be competitive to fight for the victory.

Q:
What about the competition – we saw in Russia the LADA is getting stronger?

SL:
That’s good for the championship because it’s important to have a good fight between the different manufacturers. We saw in the last few races that it’s quite tight and the championship is interesting. From my side I was not happy with the result in Moscow, I lost a lot of points and second place in the championship also. So I will try hard like normal to do a good result and to come back to second place, maybe first place in the championship. But we will have to see because [José María] López, my team-mate, is really strong. My goal is to always but a lot of time he is winning and I need to work hard. I have two very strong team-mates and I learned a lot from them and their experience but sometimes it’s frustrating not to be in the front.

Q:
This is almost your home race and in fact you won your home race earlier this season. What was that like?

NM:
It was a nice experience to win at home. I wish all the best for Mato for this weekend because to experience something like this, like I experienced, is something special and memories that will last for a lifetime. Like Seb I have seven race weekends in front of me. Hungary was a nice experience but hopefully there will be some more, maybe already here in Slovakia.

Q:
What do you think of this track and the atmosphere?

NM:
It’s a very nice experience here, not only because of the Hungarian fans who come and the atmosphere they create, but I love the layout of the circuit. My first pole position was at this track and I have been on the podium for the last two years. Hopefully this trend continues also for this weekend. I try to do some strong races and hopefully the crowd will enjoy.

Q:
What about you Nicky, what are your chances for this weekend?

NC:
I’m only here for one race since Moscow. The car was strong straight away for me in Moscow and this weekend should be strong again. The results there were good and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be good here. 

Q:
Is this a track that will suit you?

NC:
I think so. Personally I am looking forward to it a lot. It’s a little faster than Moscow, which had mainly slow corners. This track has many high-speed turns and I remember the last time there were some jumps as well. I’m looking forward to it and for sure the car will be strong.

Q: 
To all the regular WTCC drivers, what advice do you have for Mato?

NM:
The most important thing is to don’t stress yourself because everyone knows you’re a talented driver and the worse thing you can do is to stress too much. Your head won’t be clear and you won’t be able to expose your talents. I know it’s difficult but try to be calm and focus on the driving then everyone will see your talent.

NC:
My first time in the WTCC was at the last race and I felt very welcome. The atmosphere is nice so just do your job and have fun.

SL:
If he’s here it’s because he’s talented and knows his job. He has a good experience of the track and knows how to drive this kind of car because it is not so far from what he is driving at the moment. He just needs to concentrate, do his best and try not to have too much pressure from the outside, which I know can be a problem.

Q:
Do you fear home drivers when you are racing against them, like Mehdi Bennani in Morocco, for example?

SL:
Not more than other drivers because everybody wants to do well and fight in this championship. It can be very hard. Mehdi was very excited in Morocco for sure but we have fights in other races with other drivers and it’s always a hard fight.