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Viktor Shapovalov not worried about Tarquini and Valente’s China spat

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New Lada Sport team-mates Gabriele Tarquini and Hugo Valente are a highly-talented duo, but they have some history in 2015, with in the infamous discussion in Shanghai, with Hugo Valente telling Tarquini in a heated moment “You’re too old.”

Although the Frenchman later recanted, some animosity still remained.

“To be honest I don’t really believe that [Gabriele is too old],” said Valente to TouringCarTimes late last year. “It is a joke we always make in the paddock with him, because he is obviously the oldest driver on the grid, so maybe sometimes that comes up as a funny thing. I didn’t know what to say because I was shocked, I really thought he would apologise [for the incident] this time. I said that [he is too old] and I am not proud of it.”

Tarquini replied that Valente was too aggressive.

“It is not politically correct and he shouldn’t have [said] that [I am too old], but I guess it’s part of one’s good manners,” said Tarquini. “I replied to him just what I thought, that he is too young, meaning he needs more experience. It was his aggressiveness, the way he stopped me on my way to the podium giving me a big pat on my shoulders, taking my hands and so on. I am not getting intimidated by him because he is taller and younger. It really made me angry.”

When Tarquini’s departure from Honda was announced, Valente issued a long statement on social media, restating his respect for the former World Champion.

Will the new Lada duo have personal problems? According to team boss Viktor Shapovalov the two will make sure any animosity, if still left, does not get in the way of the team.

“Gabriele and Hugo are both professionals and whatever differences they have had in the past we have no doubt those will be put to one side for the good of the team and our 2016 WTCC campaign,” said Shapovalov. “We know their level and that’s why we have signed them.”

Tarquini joins Lada after several works efforts in the WTCC, including spells at SEAT (with which he won a World Championship) and Honda. Valente will compete in his first season as a works driver.