Craft-Bamboo Racing are ‘fired up’ for the penultimate round of the TCR International Series season in China this weekend, with CEO Richard Coleman predicting the Zhejiang International Circuit to suit the team’s SEAT cars better than recent circuits have done.
After a poor meeting last time out in Thailand, in which the team’s three drivers secured just two points finishes between them, the Anglo-Hong-Kong outfit are anticipating an upturn in performance this weekend at Zhejiang.
Team CEO Richard Coleman believes that the flowing 3.2-kilometre circuit is likely to be better suited to the SEAT León, which has typically suffered at circuits which feature long straights and high-speed bends.
“The whole team is looking forward to the race in Zhejiang after a disappointment at the last round,” said Coleman. “All the drivers are fired up and it is a circuit that we should be competitive at but I also think the VW Golf will be competitive here and it will be a close race as always.”
Oriola endured the worst luck in Thailand, with the Spaniard retiring from race one with a gearbox issue, which then prevented him from starting race two.
The result seriously derailed Oriola’s title hopes, leaving the 23-year-old 69 points adrift in the title fight, with only 110 still up for grabs.
As a result Oriola’s focus has turned to helping Craft-Bamboo Racing to claw back lost ground in the Teams’ championship standings.
“I am really motivated for the second last round in Zhejiang,” said Oriola. “I usually adapt pretty quickly to new circuits, so that will be an advantage for me.
“I hope to score as many points as I can as well as helping out Lukoil Craft-Bamboo fight for the teams’ championship.”
Likewise, James Nash is also effectively out of the running for the championship, with the Brit now targeting outright wins and strong performances with which to end the season.
“I am looking forward to getting back in the car on this new circuit, which is really exciting,” said Nash. “It is a shame we are not in the ultimate title fight but that is not down to the team, my driving or SEAT.
“We can now focus on results and wins so we can come to this event with a different attitude.”