WestCoast Racing leaves China on top of the TCR International Series drivers’ standings, after Gianni Morbidelli claimed a brace of podiums, including a win, in Shanghai.
The Swedish team experienced an almost perfect Saturday in the F1-supporting series, with drivers Morbidelli, René Münnich and Kevin Gleason scoring a perfect 1-2-3 result in qualifying.
All three drivers were then able to hold their positions in the first race, elevating Morbidelli to the top of the drivers’ classification and the team to the top of the teams’ standings.
Sunday was always going to be more challenging for the Honda team, with the race featuring a reversal of the top ten qualifying positions.
Morbidelli could potentially have won again, having worked his way up to the lead of the race by lap six. But a technical problem with his engine two laps later dropped him to fourth and forced him to battle to reclaim a podium finish, taking second before Stefano Comini demoted him to third on the final lap.
“If yesterday was a perfect day, today proved that nothing is granted in motor racing,” said the Italian. “Shortly after taking the lead, by mid-race, my engine switched off for a brief moment, and I lost three positions. I was lucky to reconquer third and still keep the championship lead.
“I am sure fans enjoyed today’s show and that the race proves how exciting and closely-fought the season is going to be.”
Morbidelli also proved that he has one eye on the title, electing not to defend too hard when Comini challenged on the final lap.
“After the small problem, I made a good move on Stefano, but I saw him coming back and decided that it was best not to defend too hard and preserve good points. It was the right thing to do, as I have the championship lead and I’m very happy about this.”
Gleason took the chequered flag in sixth in race two, whilst Münnich was classified in 14th after being handed a penalty for contact with Craft-Bamboo Racing’s Sergey Afanasyev and Zengő Motorsport’s Norbert Tóth.
Gleason moved up to fifth in the drivers’ championship, and admitted that he could have performed better if he hadn’t got such slow starts in the races.
“Overall, it was a solid weekend, not only for me, but for WestCoast Racing as a team,” said Gleason. “We achieved a one-two-three in qualifying and the opening race and it was a great feeling to have all three drivers on the podium.
“In both races I was involved in some intense battles, which was partially self-inflicted due to my poor starts – this is something that I really need to work on. In all, we collected some good points this weekend and put on a great show for everyone watching the series, which certainly has a bright future.”
WestCoast Racing Team Manager, James Rogers, praised his three drivers for their strong weekend performances.
“It was a great effort, the guys worked hard to make a fast car and the drivers did a good job with the equipment. After the highs of yesterday’s one-two-three, achieving another podium to lead in the Drivers’ standings is a great result for us.”