Marcello Lotti (left on photo), the touring championship promoter since the date of its revival in 2005, is leaving his position. François Ribeiro (right on photo) is going to replace the Italian. In his day, Marcello Lotti used to take part in competitions as a co-driver. But the charismatic Italian was able to achieve more success in the position of a manager. First he was heading a team in the Italian touring championship and in 1999 became its promoter. His first achievement was to grant it the status of FIA European Cup, which grew into the European Championship in 2002 and then later in 2005 it transformed into the World Touring Car Championship.
Under Lotti’s supervision the World Touring went through its ups and downs. But he leaves his position when the series is on its rise — last year they conducted the long-awaited round in Russia, next year they are introducing the new WTCC technical regulations and the championship will see the debut of Citroën factory team.
The Eurosport Events company, the promoter of World Touring, appointed François Ribeiro as the new WTCC head. He was working close with Lotti, being in charge of commercial issues and also dealing with the development of the European Rally Championship.
For the role of François Ribeiro’s assistant they named Eric Neve, who had been Chevrolet factory team Director up to 2012 and later worked as a Commercial Director at HWA supervising Mercedes racing programmes in the DTM and Formula 3. And now Neve returns to WTCC as the promoter’s consultant.
Source: moscowraceway.ru Photo: motorsport.com