Track testing begins on Honda Civic WTCC

Honda has begun the track testing of its FIA World Touring Car Championship race car, the Civic WTCC, writes Trish Whelan.

Testing took place at the Vallelunga circuit, near Rome and will continue throughout the year, led by 2009 WTCC champion Gabriele Tarquini.

Starting at Suzuka in October this year, Honda will enter three races of the 2012 FIA World Touring Car Championship with one car, driven by Tiago Monteiro. All of this year's testing and race results will be fully utilised to further mature the Civic WTCC for full entry in 2013.

The final exterior of 2012 Civic WTCC race car has also been unveiled. It is the result of extensive wind-tunnel testing and features an extended front and rear skirt and other additional aerodynamic elements which combined, enhance the Civic's smooth air flow creating a coefficient of drag value that is best in class for a C-sector 5-door hatchback.

The Civic WTCC is powered by the HR-412E, a completely bespoke 1.6 4-cylinder direct injection turbo-charged petrol engine, fully conforming to FIA regulations for the WTCC.

Both Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro will compete for Honda in the full FIA
 World Touring Car Championship in 2013.