PAUL RICARD BRACED FOR SEAT LEON EUROCUP ACTION

June 1, 2016 by SEAT

◾The French circuit hosts the third round of the series this weekend

◾Stian Paulsen (Stian Paulsen Racing) continues to lead the standings followed by Mikel Azcona (PCR Sport) and Niels Langelevelt (Baporo Motorsport)

◾Frenchwoman Lucile Cypriano races on home turf and fronts the 'Ladies Trophy'

Martorell 01/06/2016 – Following the first two rounds of the 2016 series staged at Estoril (Portugal) and Silverstone (UK), the renowned circuit of Paul Ricard will entertain the SEAT Leon Eurocup for the third time and for what will be the third round of the current contest.

Opened on 19th April 1970 by its creator – the drinks magnate that gave his name to the facility – the circuit has since staged some of the most important motorsport events through a distinguished history such as F1, MotoGP, etc… Situated in the 'Le Castellet', in the region of Provenza-Alpes-French Riviera, the layout stretches to 3.861km and involves twelve corners, five to the left and seven to the right. On this stage the 15 drivers from 10 different nationalities will form up the grid for the 2016 SEAT Leon Eurocup. Those that know the secrets of the French asphalt or who adapt the quickest will fight to be crowned winner across one of the most appreciated and famed venues on the calendar.

Last season it was Fran Rueda and Mikel Azcona (PCR Sport) who tasted victory and the leading group this time is bound to involve Norwegian Stian Paulsen (Stian Paulsen Racing) who leads the standings and has totalled 4 podiums and 2 wins from the 4 races that have been run so far. Paulsen will again have his 'eyes on the prize' and could well be a part of the large slice of action and excitement that fans travelling to the French circuit will be able to digest. The three French drivers in the SEAT Leon Eurocup line-up for this year -, Marie baus-Coppens (JSB Competition), Julien Briché (JBS Competition) and his fortunate protégé Lucile Cypriano (JBS Competition) - will be looking to spring a surprise on home turf. The latter leads the 'Ladies Trophy' and has already walked the rostrum at the opening fixture in Portugal with a spectacular second position.

In the bigger picture of the SEAT Leon Eurocup, Stian Paulsen (Stian Paulsen Racing) has accumulated 84 points and is followed by Spaniard Mikel Azcona (PCR Sport) with 70 and who boasts a win and 2 podiums. Niels Langevelt (Baporo Motorsport) is third on 53 points and has grabbed a podium finish and one triumph so far.

Once again the SEAT Leon Eurocup will share billing with the International GT Open. Action begins this Friday June 3rd with two Free Practice sessions of 30 minutes each. Qualifying takes place on Saturday June 4th (also 30 minutes) and is followed by the first race (14.15) of the weekend. The second sprint will be on Sunday at (15.45).

Everything is set for the next episode in the gripping 2016 SEAT Leon Eurocup. Excitement and thrills come together again, this time on French soil, and where the engines of the potent Cup Racer will rouse every corner of Paul Ricard.

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'For the third time we come to Paul Ricard, which is a circuit that last year opened the second edition of the SEAT Leon Eurocup. The track is quick and generally well liked by the drivers and one at which we've seen some memorable action and a lot of overtaking; so we are hoping for more of the same! Stian Paulsen is our leader but he is closely followed by young Spaniard Mikel Azcona, who we have to look at closely because he won the second race here last year. We also cannot forget the French; Julien Briché and Lucile Cypriano who will be doing all they can to shine in front of their home fans and supporters,' commented Jaime Puig, Director of SEAT Sport.

For more information about the SEAT Leon Eurocup, visit www.seat-sport.com/eurocup

Download the official SEAT Leon Eurocup APP and live the intensity of the action through live streaming and timing.

The SEAT Leon Eurocup is a competition created by SEAT Sport and will celebrate a third year of existence in 2016.

A novelty for the new calendar includes the addition of the Mugello circuit that substitutes for Monza. Therefore trips to Estoril (Portugal), Paul Ricard (France), Silverstone (UK), Red Bull Ring (Austria), Nürburgring (Germany), Mugello (Italy) and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Spain) will constitute the 2016 SEAT Leon Eurocup schedule.

The drivers will once again count on the SEAT Leon Cup Racer that captures the innovative spirit of SEAT combined with a fetching design and strong horsepower. The form of the Leon Cup Racer immediately transmits the potency of the vehicle and at the same time maintains the same design DNA of the Leon family. Even though it has been forged as a race car from the wheels up by the SEAT Sport team the Cup Racer is thinly related to the SEAT Leon CUPRA; the brand's most distinct model in terms of sporty performance and driving sensation.

These front-wheel driven cars are equipped with a two litre turbo-driven engine developed with the maximum potential of 330 CV, a double clutch DSG six-speed gearbox, widely adjustable suspension and strong competition brakes, as well as an anti-roll system approved by the FIA.

From 1970 SEAT Sport have constructed a rich automobile legacy; winning two Touring Car World Championships (2008 and 2009) and three two-litre Rally World titles (1996-1998), as well as organising successful and well-received single-make competitions around the globe. Besides international and regional programmes and commitments, SEAT Sport has also won more than 25 rally and touring car championships.