Hernández Leads YOKOHAMA Independents' Trophy At Half-Way Mark

09 Jul 10

With 12 rounds remaining of the 2010 FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) season, the YOKOHAMA Independents’ Trophy is now at its half-way point. Official tyre supplier YOKOHAMA is committed to supporting young drivers, providing the ideal learning ground for the champions of tomorrow. As the series heads to Brands Hatch for the FIA WTCC Marriot Race of UK, we look back at the YOKOHAMA Independents’ Trophy season so far.

Scuderia Proteam Motorsport driver Sergio Hernández started the year on strong form, securing both Independents’ victories in the Brazilian rounds at the season-opener in Curitiba. He has since claimed race wins in Zolder and Portimão. The Spaniard’s consistent performances have put him at the top of the YOKOHAMA Independents’ Trophy standings with 73 points. His closest challenger, Hong Kong-native Darryl O’Young has been closing the gap and now stands second with 56 points after securing the round 10 victory last weekend in Portugal.

Italy’s Stefano D’Aste currently lies third with 51 points while Moroccan Mehdi Bennani is fourth with 46 points and a victory at his Marrakech home race under his belt. The latest addition to the YOKOHAMA Independents’ Trophy is Briton Colin Turkington, who made an impression in his Portuguese debut by securing 16 points and will represent the UK in the upcoming rounds at Brands Hatch.

“My long-term dream is to win the world championship,” said 2008 YOKOHAMA Independents’ Trophy winner Hernández, who races a BMW 320si. “Things are on the right track and we are collecting important points. YOKOHAMA tyres are really consistent, which suits my driving style. Like Jenson Button, my driving is not aggressive, so I have enough rubber left to be competitive in the last five laps of the race.”

After celebrating its 100th WTCC race at the last event in Portugal, YOKOHAMA will head to Brands Hatch for rounds 11 and 12 of the season. “Brands Hatch is an abrasive track, especially when it’s dry: tyre management can make the difference at this track,” explained 26-year-old Hernández.

Race action from Brands Hatch will be broadcast across Eurosport’s channels, with qualifying aired at 20:00 (CET) on Saturday 17 July 2010 on Eurosport 2. On Sunday 18 July live coverage begins with warm up at 11:00 (CET) on Eurosport with race one shown at 12:45 (CET) on Eurosport Asia-Pacific followed by race two at 14:45 (CET) on Eurosport 2. The WTCC’s behind-the-scenes programme ‘Inside WTCC’ will be shown at 23:00 (CET) on Tuesday 20 July on Eurosport Asia-Pacific, featuring British driver Rob Huff.

Brands Hatch track facts
Circuit length:   3,703 metres
Number of laps: 2 x 14
Race distance:  51.84 kilometres
Fastest race lap:   Yvan Muller (SEAT León TDI) 1:33.980 (141.81 kph)