WestCoast Racing Team Principal Greger Petersson believes his team have a ‘strong setup’ to withstand the increased competition in the 2016 TCR International Series.
As the new touring car championship moves into its second season, Petersson believes that his a Swedish team have the right ingredients to be able to withstand the extra pressure, which includes two new brands entering the foray.
WestCoast Racing have opted for continuity in the hands of experienced Italian Gianni Morbidelli and American Kevin Gleason, whilst the young Finnish racer Aku Pellinen ads a youthful mix to the team.
“We expect the TCR International Series to be even more competitive in 2016, with more cars and a host of new teams entering the fray,” said Petersson. “However, we believe our entire setup is very strong and can withstand the threat, because the team’s management, engineers and mechanics are truly international, with an interesting mix of Swedes and other Europeans, and all are at the top of their game.
“Of course, completing the setup are three very strong drivers. We welcome young Finnish racer, Aku Pellinen, to the fold alongside ex-F1 driver and multiple touring car Champion, Gianni Morbidelli, and Kevin Gleason, who came to us as a rookie with limited experience and developed into a race winner and a particularly impressive qualifier.”
The season, which kicks off in Bahrain this weekend supporting the Formula One event, also features a number of European rounds which support the newly-formed regional and national championships.
“After a fruitful, yet cold pre-season testing programme, everybody at WestCoast Racing is really looking forward to commencing the 2016 season in Bahrain,” added Petersson. “TCR is this year introducing a number of European championships. The German series seems very strong and I truly believe this formula is the future of saloon car racing worldwide, maybe also in Scandinavia. The fact that TCR International will be broadcast in the region on the Viasat Motor channel is proof of the growing interest in the series.”
The team will field a trio of ‘Step 2’ JAS Motorsport-built Honda Civics in the 2016 TCR International Series.