Craft-Bamboo Racing boss Richard Coleman believes that this weekend’s TCR International Series races at Oschersleben in Germany will be ‘good on paper’ for the SEAT team.
The Anglo-Hong Kong team have struggled somewhat in recent races, with just two podium finishes for all of its drivers out of the past eight races.
In the most recent round in Hungary, Pepe Oriola scored a much-needed podium in race two when he finished second, and the team believe that Oschersleben, with its similar characteristics to the Hungaroring, could produce good results.
“Oschersleben on paper will be a good circuit for us, so we have good expectations,” said CEO Richard Coleman. “It is a circuit that Daniel Lloyd knows well, so I am sure he will be up to speed with James [Nash] and Pepe from the opening practice sessions.
“We have been working hard on a few performance items since Hungary and we look forward to trying to take a big points haul.
“My main concern is the Honda team as they have been very competitive at every type of circuit.”
Nash has slipped to seventh overall in the championship standings, 74 points adrift of points leader Attila Tassi. However the Brit is somewhat buoyed by the fact he took a double podium result at the circuit in 2016.
“Last year, I got a podium in each race at Oschersleben,” said Nash. “It’ll be great if we can order a repeat or better.
“Pepe’s second place in Hungary proved that on the right track we can compete with the SEAT and hopefully Oschersleben will be another track we can go well on, so fingers crossed.”
Oriola, meanwhile, is targeting victory, having stood on the top step of the podium in race two at the track last year.
“I hope to get another win on this race track,” said the Spaniard, who is 40 points off the series lead. “I have good memories from last year and I hope to get into the top three in the drivers’ championship before the summer break.
“If I can do this, then I will be in the fight for the title during the last three rounds.”