Hugo Valente is targeting podium finishes in the TCR International Series in Bahrain this weekend, with the Craft-Bamboo Racing driver saying that it’s ‘important to get points in the bag’ after a penalty set him back in Georgia.
Valente had originally finished second on the road behind team-mate Pepe Oriola in the second TCR race at Rustavi, but the Frenchman was later hit with a post-race penalty for passing under yellow flags which dropped him to ninth overall.
It meant that Valente left the season-opening weekend just 13th in the drivers’ championship standings, having retired from the opening race.
Despite not having raced at the Bahrain International Circuit before, Valente has been studying footage from his team-mates in 2016 to get to know the circuit.
“I’m very pleased to go to Bahrain after a weekend off racing,” said Valente. “I’m still at a stage where I’m learning the car, the tyres and how everything works, so it’s great to not have big breaks between each event. We will also be on the same weekend as Formula 1 which makes it even more exciting!
“Craft-Bamboo Racing had a strong weekend there last year with two wins and two double podiums, so I think we will try and do the same this year!
“It will be more difficult for sure but I’m glad that the team will be able to provide me with some onboard video and data from my teammates who have been to this track before.
“The performance overall was quite good in Georgia, I feel like we can still improve and it will be very important for me to get two strong results to get maximum points in the bag.”
Craft-Bamboo Racing CEO Richard Coleman adds that he believes the fact that the circuit is familiar will aid his drivers. In 2016 Oriola took victory in both of the season opening races held at the desert circuit.
“We have a strong history of success at the Bahrain circuit and I am confident that all three drivers will present a very competitive package this weekend,” said Coleman.
“Our performance has been strong here in the past and now that we have returned to a familiar circuit I believe that all three of our drivers will be competing for the podium.”