Kevin Gleason is targeting breaking into Q2 on his fourth weekend in the World Touring Car Championship in Portugal, as the American looks to build on his first three race weekends in the championship.
Gleason will drive on the challenging high-speed Vila Real street circuit for the first time this weekend, having not yet tackled a WTCC street circuit.
The LADA driver has set his sights on breaking into Q2 for the first time, as he knows that a prime grid position is essential at the circuit where passing is a challenge. Gleason’s best qualifying result to date has been 14th.
“I am really enjoying my time in the WTCC so far and this will now be my fourth outing in the Championship with RC Motorsport,” said Gleason. “I hope that I can continue to improve my pace and position as I get more familiar with the car and the team as I have in each previous round so far.
“The Vila Real track will provide another new challenge for sure and I will have to be precise and learn quickly to give myself a shot to make Q2 for the first time which at this track more than any is going to be crucial for a decent starting position in at least one of the races.”
This weekend’s races will also feature the first use of a ‘joker lap’ by the WTCC, something which Gleason is undecided on, as he values pure racing.
“Well, if I am honest I am a purist when it comes to racing,” added Gleason. “I am not a massive fan of messing with the straight racing from lights to flag, but it should be interesting to see how it effects the strategy of all the teams and drivers.
“Of course if it benefits me I might be persuaded it was a great idea!”