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Javier Villa to Make WTCC Debut with Proteam

After 4 years spent in Formula 1's feeder series GP2, Spanish driver Javier Villa decided to make a change in his motor racing career and announced that he has reached a deal with Proteam in the FIA World Touring Car Championship.

This is a new stage in my sporting career that motivates me a lot,” said the 23-year old driver, who will sit behind the wheel of a 1.6-litre turbocharged powered BMW 320 Touring Car in his first campaign in the series.

The WTCC is, along with the F1 and the WRC, one of the three official FIA World Championships and, of course, the most important touring cars series, with manufacturers such as BMW, Chevrolet, SEAT and Volvo taking part.

My team this season, Proteam, is one of the best as shown by the various titles won in the Independents Trophy. My target this season will be to gather experience and fight for the Independents Trophy and looking forward to getting a works drive for 2012.”

Villa will make his debut in the WTCC series but, at the same time, he'll also defend his title in the Spanish Mini Challenge. Alongside the Spaniard, Mehdi Bennani and Fabio Fabiani (who made only selected appearances in the championship through the past couple of seasons) will complete Proteam's WTCC lineup for the 2011 campaign.

The fact that I'm joining Proteam means that I must claim good results. I am confident, because all the ingredients are there. The team is very professional, I know most of the tracks and Proteam's BMW is among the best cars in the field,” said Bennani.
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