Honda’s World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) team head to Shanghai in China this weekend laden with an extra 40 kg of compensation weight following their victory last time out in Japan.
Honda Civics topped all bar one session (race one) at the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan, with independent Honda racer Norbert Michelisz notably becoming the first non-Citroën pole-sitter of the season.
Tiago Monteiro then followed that result up with a victory in race two, his second of the season, to cap off a strong result at home in Japan for the marque.
Success in Japan means the Civics must now carry 40 kg of weight in China, whilst Citroën continue to be the heaviest manufacturer on 60 kg.
Despite the win last time out, Monteiro is cautious of the team’s chances this weekend, citing the weight and the long back straight on the Shanghai International Circuit as factors which won’t favour the Civics.
“After Japan everyone is very motivated to continue the momentum,” said Monteiro, who won race two at the track in 2013. “We showed progress last time out and our hard work paid off, but the downside is of course that with a win comes 40 kg of penalty.
“Shanghai has never been an easy track for us and the characteristics of the Civics and with extra weight it will be tougher, but that’s a challenge we accept and we’re ready for it we never give up!”
In contrast to his team-mate, Gabriele Tarquini called the circuit a ‘lucky track’ for Honda, although the Italian has only once previously stood on the podium in Shanghai.
“We’ve had great success here in the past, not least with victory and podium results in 2013,” said Tarquini. “It’s a nice circuit to drive and there is more overtaking opportunity here than at other tracks, so it should be exciting.
“Two things are really important here; getting the right balance and tyre management. The asphalt is quite aggressive and given the nature of the track, can be very demanding on the front left tyres in particular.
“Shanghai also features one of the longest straights in the championship, which isn’t an advantage for us. That said it’s been a lucky track for us in the past so we will work hard for some more good results. The weather could also play a key factor, especially if it’s wet.”