WTCC

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VIVE LA WTCC!

Happiness, this week, might just be a man called Jean-Marie Clairet. The SEAT Eurocup driver has been selected to take part in the WTCC eventin Oschersleben, when the sport returns following it’s summer break. The big break has come as a dream for the Parisian, who’s driving history includes victories in Citroën and Peugeot titles, and who was best scorer in last weekend’s Eurocap event at Brands Hatch; he currently stands  5th overall in the championship.

Clairet is quoted as saying, “It’s a dream. The WTCC is another planet compared to the championships I have raced so far. My only goal will be to finish the races without damaging the car!” Clairet is the fourth SEAT Eurocup driver to qualify for a WTCC event, following Tim Coronel (Brno), Diego Puyo (Porto) and Norbert Michelisz (Brands Hatch).

Whilst Clairet’s driving credentials are obvious the man himself is, well not.  Now he’s bagged himself a dream seat it will be interesting to see if and how he markets himself – Should he at least look into getting a wiki for fans to follow a la Andy Priaulx? Or will be be joining the holy grail of publicity (at least in my opinion!) Twitter? Should WTCC drivers follow in the footsteps of BTCC, such as Tom Chilton, and look to get themselves regular places on Top Gear and such like? Should the drivers be doing more to promote themselves and their sport or should the FIA be stepping in to get the publicity machine rolling? Are fans happy enough with attending events and reading stories online?

It’s often said motorsport wouldn’t survive without sponsorship, so do drivers have an obligation to make themselves as marketable as possible or is there such a thing as too much publicity? Do fans prefer it when their idols simply ’shut up and drive’?