Rob Huff is hoping for a change of luck as the 2013 World Touring Car Championship heads into its Asian leg of the season, starting at Suzuka.
The Americas part of the season saw the ALL-INKL.com Münnich Motorsport driver secure a brace of eighth place finishes which were coupled with two DNF’s – results which has seen him drop out of title contention with six races left.
Huff heads to Suzuka looking for a change of fortune as the series reaches its 200th start – Huff has been in the Championship since it was reborn in 2005 and has taken 24 victories during his WTCC career.
The British driver is hoping for a turn of fortune but admits that victory could be out of the question around the 2.24km Suzuka East circuit.
“My ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport team and I have had rotten luck lately, encountering various problems that have been completely out of our control,” the 32 year old said.
“It has pretty much destroyed our championship, but that means we have nothing to lose by going for broke and chasing those race wins and podium finishes. Victory might be difficult to achieve in Japan, but I reckon we might be able to capitalise on the reversed grid and take a podium in the second race.”
With the tight, twisty configuration of the Suzuka East circuit meaning that opportunities to pass are limited and facing a 30 car grid for rounds 19 and 20 of the season, Huff admits that the qualifying session will be all important for a chance of a good result.
“Because it’s so short, tight and twisty, Suzuka is one circuit where you really need to get your act together quickly and ensure you qualify well,” said Huff.
“Three tenths of a second can be the difference between lining-up in fifth or 15th on the grid and, as overtaking is almost impossible, you can pretty much write off your weekend if you don’t get up at the sharp end,” Huff concluded.