WTCC: Ortelli ready for new challenge.

Stephane Ortelli insists he is ready for the challenge of competing in the World Touring Car Championship as the Frenchman makes his debut in the series this weekend.

The two time FIA GT Champion, who took victory in the recent 1000km of Silverstone race alongside Scot Allan McNish, will take to the grid at the wheel of a SEAT Toledo Cupra run by the same Team Oreca outfit which runs his Audi R8 in the LMES and said he was thrilled to be back in the world of touring cars - ten years after he competed in the French Supertourisme series.

"It's special to be back, especially in an exclusive championship such as the FIA WTCC," he said. "When I raced with the GTs I always paid attention to the touring car races, both for enjoyment and also on a professional level - I wanted to learn from them. This championship looks increasingly exciting from an outside point of view and I expect more and more drivers from other series to take part for a new challenge."

Team Oreca Playstation, who are supported by SEAT France, held two days of testing, at Magny-Cours and Al?s ahead of its FIA WTCC race debut, with SEAT works driver Jordi Gene helping both team and driver learn the Toledo Cupra.

"Testing with Jordi Gen? at Magny-Cours was particularly helpful for me and the team as we were able to compare my data with his and this highlighted how we can progress," he said. "You can't expect too much when you join such an exclusive and demanding championship in the middle of the year.

"It feels as though I am a school boy joining the year late and I need to catch up on what the other students have done. I am very curious, open-minded and extremely excited."

Ortelli didn't make a bad start to life in the WTCC, securing fourth place in the opening practice session.