#21 – Mehdi Bennani
Mehdi Bennani made an immediate impression on his WTCC debut at home in Morocco during the 2009 season, when he took the Independents win for Exagon Engineering in their Seat Leon before backing that up with a third in race 2, almost a dream debut weekend.
Even though Bennani only competed in 5 out of the 12 race weekends, he still finished eighth overall in the Yokohama Independent Trophy standings showing speed and potential to proving that he can have a solid career in Touring Cars.
2010 sees Bennani leave the Seat behind for a Wiechers Sport BMW, and with a full season may be a dark horse who won't be afraid to rub panels with the more established stars.
Season Prediction: Will be looking to back up the impressive pace he showed in his part season last year this year. The challenge of adapting from a front wheel drive Seat Leon to a rear wheel drive BMW 320Si will be the main challenge. Independent wins will happen, extreme outsider for overall podium. Points shouldn't be a problem; BMW is a proven piece of kit.
TCF Driver Prediction: Bottom half of the point scorers, top 5 in the Independents.
