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Yvan Muller Signs 2010 Deal with Chevrolet

Yvan Muller’s failure to defend his world title in the FIA World Touring Car Championship had an immediate effect on his contractual commitments with SEAT Sport. Meaning the French driver will no longer drive for the Spanish marque in the series, but switch to Chevrolet for the upcoming season.

Earlier this weekend, Italian driver Nicola Larini announced his quit from the series after the season finale at Macau. The British team moved quickly in finding a proper replacement for the former F1 racer and managed to bag none other that the 2008 WTCC champion Yvan Muller.

I am delighted to join Chevrolet. After four successful years with SEAT, I was looking for a new challenge and Chevrolet was my first choice. Having witnessed their growth in the WTCC and knowing RML since my years in the BTCC, I am extremely confident in the potential of the Cruze,” said Muller after the announcement was made on Sunday. Muller will therefore switch from a diesel-powered Seat Leon to a petrol-based Chevrolet Cruze in 2010.

“To be able to secure the services of a world champion such as Yvan Muller is a valuable plus to our WTCC programme. I am convinced that he will contribute a lot to the development of the Cruze,” added Wayne Brannon, manager of Chevrolet Europe.

Muller finished the 2009 FIA WTCC campaign in the runner-up spot, only 4 points behind his teammate Gabriele Tarquini. His team, on the other hand, won their second straight manufacturers’ title in a row in the series, ending the year 3 points clear of rivals BMW.

As for Muller’s new team, RML Chevrolet finished this year’s campaign in 3rd place overall, with a massive 99-point deficit from championship winners SEAT, but with 6 wins throughout the 2009 season. Muller will partner Alain Menu and Robert Huff in 2010.
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