It’s looking likely that former Italian, Spanish, European and British champion Fabrizio Giovanardi will be taking a sabbatical next season after the confirmation from Chevrolet that they will be running three cars in the World Touring Car Championship.
Giovanardi was left with few options when Vauxhall dropped the bombshell that they would be pulling out of BTCC in October, since then he had been in ‘advanced discussions’ with Chevrolet about a WTCC seat for 2010.
Unfortunately for the Italian the American manufacturer has opted to keep the line up of Rob Huff, Alain Menu and Yvan Muller, leaving him out in the cold without a drive.
“I see very few options now,” the 42-year-old Italian told AUTOSPORT. “I thought there was a chance at Chevrolet, but that will not happen. All the manufacturers know I'm here and they know what I have done, but there's not much more I can do. Maybe there is no option but to not race next year.”
Although not ruling out a return to BTCC he said it was unlikely he would find a drive for next year, “There are no manufacturer teams, only teams where you have to bring budget,” he added.
With rumours saying the Italian is set for retirement he rebuked the claims saying: “No way, Gabriele [Tarquini] is nearly 48 and he just won the world title. Sure, he says he's not decided on his future, so you never know. I'm still a few years younger than him. I'm still hungry and I'm still fast, so I hope we can sort something out.”
