André Couto will drive for Alfa Romeo in Macau

André Couto joins Alfa Romeo for the last race of the season in Macau. He will support James Thompson, a title contender.

André Couto, the local hero, will join the Alfa Romeo N. Technology team for the race on his home turf in Macau. Aged 30, the driver conducted his first tests with the Alfa Romeo 156 on the Varano circuit in Italy last weekend.

Couto, winner in Macau in 2000 in a Formula 3, has become a regular driver in the Touring Car Guia Race since 2002. He has raced for BMW, SEAT (last year), and Alfa Romeo. He has already driven twice for the Italian manufacturer in Macau: in 2003 at the wheel of an Alfa 147 (even securing pole position) and in 2005, during the WTTC finals when he went off the track while leading.

Couto replaces Olivier Tielemans and joins James Thompson, a title contender. « Couto’s arrival is really a big plus for the team; his special knowledge of Macau can only help us », says Andrea Muller, the manager of the N.Technology Team.

« However, we are realistic about our title hopes, and we will need to be very lucky to win after starting from so far behind. But, a few weeks ago, the Ferrari [Formula 1] team was in the same situation, and they won the championship, so you never know. We have to try! »

According to the WTCC