Craft-Bamboo Racing’s James Nash is optimistic ahead of the TCR International Series races at the Sochi Autodrom this weekend, with the Brit expecting the SEAT León to be strong in Russia.
Along with team-mate Pepe Oriola, Nash is the joint leader of the drivers’ standings heading to the seventh event of the season.
The Brit admits that leading the standings at the home event of primary sponsor Lukoil makes him even more proud to be sporting the Russian oil giant’s colours.
“I’m really looking forward to this weekend,” said Nash. “Craft Bamboo raced here last year, taking a 1-2 in the opening race and a second place in race two, so [they] know the track pretty well.
“We believe the Sochi Autodrom layout, with its long straight sections, will suit the 2016 SEAT León particularly well and allied to that is the fact I’ll be carrying slightly less success ballast than I did two weeks ago in Germany. I’ll be running just 10 kilos heavier than Pepe and considering I raced reasonably well despite the extra weight, the reduction for this weekend gives me another reason to be optimistic for my chances.
“Best of all though, the weekend will be Lukoil’s home event. Lukoil are Craft-Bamboo’s primary partner and without them we couldn’t go racing so I’m very grateful that they chose to race with us and I’m proud to be one of their motorsport ambassadors.
“The fact that Pepe and me are leading the championship really is the icing on the cake.”
Nash has to-date only taken one win in the 2016 season, whilst team-mate Oriola has already taken three, something which he hopes to rectify this weekend.
“Hopefully it will be me out on my own leading the championship on Sunday night. A win or two would definitely help with that and I’m determined to give my all to make the aim a reality.”