Craft-Bamboo Racing are expecting a ‘challenging’ weekend in the TCR International Series in Estoril this weekend, citing the increase in success ballast and their rivals’ reduction in weight.
Having won both of the first two races of the season in Bahrain, Pepe Oriola will have to carry the maximum 30 kg of success ballast for leading the championship and being the pace-setting driver.
When that is combined with a 30 kg weight-break for the Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR car, Team Principal Richard Coleman believes the team will have their work cut out to achieve victories in Portugal.
“We had an excellent weekend in Bahrain but we know things will be much more difficult here,” said Coleman. “The VW has lost 30 kg and we know from winter testing that the VW is as fast as the SEAT, other than the very last percentage of top speed.
“The Estoril circuit is also going to suit the Honda much more, so it will be challenging. I believe podiums are possible this weekend, wins? I am not so sure.”
Given the 60 kg weight swing compared to some of his rivals, Oriola is being realistic about his prospects for this weekend and has set points finishes as his target.
“I am happy to be racing in Europe and I am really motivated after Bahrain but I know that it will be hard with the 30 kg of ballast, especially against the VW,” explained the Spaniard. “Stefano [Comini], for example, will be 60 kg lighter than me and Estoril is a very twisty circuit but I will be fighting to score points to keep leading the series.”
Oriola’s team-mate James Nash won’t be quite as heavy, carrying 20 kg of success ballast, but knows that with the abrasive surface of the circuit any extra weight may make a difference.
“I was very happy with the performance of the Craft-Bamboo Racing cars and I am going into this round with more confidence,” said Nash. “We now know more or less what to expect.
“I do anticipate this weekend to be hard for us as we now have success weight. Estoril will be harder on tyres and made worse with the extra weight but we will be fighting for more podiums.”