Mazda and Renault to WTCC?

Several different sources indicate that both Mazda and Renault are on the way to the World Touring Car Championship. The WTCC is growing, interest increases. Both manufacturers have made cost estimations for an entry next year or 2008. Mazda’s programme is reported to be lead by Prodrive.

Last time Mazda were involved in top level touring car racing was 1994 in the British Touring Car Championship with drivers David Leslie and Matt Neal.

Renault also had their last touring car outing in the British Touring Car Championship, with 1999 being their last year using the Laguna-model driven by Jason Plato and Jean-Christophe Boullion.

Earlier this year WTCC-boss Marcello Lotti indicated that the championship would see a Japanese manufacturer in 2007.

“I feel good to say that we’re going to have a Japanese manufacturer in the championship,” Lotti said.

If it is Mazda or Honda remains to be seen.