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Motorsport News International PROCAR TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP 1997

Patrick HAYOT Mon. April 7 1997

PROCAR NOTES HONDA-BELGIUM PINS HOPES ON THIERRY TASSIN

Former Procar Champion ('94 and 95), record man of victory in Procar (27) and 4th winner of the 24 Hours of Francorchamps, Thierry Tassin defected from BMW to Honda. In fact, the deal was quickly done.

"I have discovered the Accord as soon on November 17. It was the '96 version. Since, I have tested Prodrive's Accord March 17 at MIRA-circuit, Nogaro (F), Calafat (SP), Zolder (B) and Zandvoort (NL). It's very different for me and I must gone step by step. On November, it was my front-drive baptism. As soon the second test, it was again different : new version, more work and more contact with the VZM Team (Van Zuylen Motorsport). This one has in charge of the Belgian structure since 1995 and are very experienced. I think that my new car has more than the best motor! I was really surprised. So at Zolder, all was correct, it was not the same at Zandvoort. The first day, I didn't run because of motor problems. Altrought 2s slower than Belgian Peugeot racer Vincent Radermecker, I don't say that I'm satisfed. But we must considered this run-up as positive. My initial impressions were good".

That's promise for this Procar season.