WestCoast Racing Team Manager James Nixon believes that the recent success of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta in the TCR International Series, with its 30 kg of success ballast on board, should be ‘ringing alarm bells’ for the series officials.
At the high-speed Salzburgring Dušan Borković was able to calim victory in race one, despite carrying 30 kg of ballast in his car.
Meanwhile, both of the Swedish team’s two drivers Gianni Morbidelli and Giacomo Altoè struggled to a top ten finish each in race two, having missed out on the points in the day’s opening race.
Nixon believes that the Balance of Performance [BoP] needs to be looked at, given that the Alfa Romeo currently has now won twice and carries a beneficial lowered ride height as well.
“Maybe there is some work to do adjusting the Balance of Performance,” said Nixon. “A car with 30 kg of ballast winning in Salzburg with no tow should maybe ring alarm bells to the guys determining the BoP. We’re still frustrated by this as this year it’s so hard with the BoP.
“We have great cars, a great team and two very impressive drivers. Altoè is making big gains already in what is his first year in the series and he’s really showing his talent against those who all have so much more experience.”
Despite the BoP issues, Nixon added that the team were happier with their results in Austria, after claiming their first double points finish since Bahrain.
“We are much happier,” added Nixon. “We have to thank Altoè family and Adria International Raceway for helping us to get our first test in before this race.
“We finally had time to learn the car and feel we have taken a huge step forward now able to compete at the front.”