Pepe Oriola was pleased to end the 2017 TCR International Series campaign in good form after the Lukoil Craft-Bamboo Racing driver secured victory in the opening race at the Dubai Autodrome.
The Spaniard made a lightning getaway and shot up the inside to relieve pole-sitter Gordon Shedden of the lead into the downhill right-hander at Turn 1, before establishing a lead from which he was never headed.
It marks Oriola’s first victory since the season opener in Georgia, on a weekend where the SEAT Leon outfit have narrowly missed out on the opportunity to take the Teams’ Championship fight with M1RA down to the final race.
“I am really happy with this win, it was about time,” admitted Oriola.
“I won at first event and now at last, it’s a pity we had such bad luck in-between. My start was really great, I was at the edge of stalling, but luckily it didn’t happen.
“I saw enough space close to the wall and just kept going, as I had nothing to lose. All this put me in P1 at first corner, but it was a very tough race as gaps were always very close, given also the safety-car period.
“Shedden was faster than me in some points, especially in turn 7, but I knew I could control the situation. Nothing bad happened this time and it is really nice to finish the season on a high.”
The season finale is scheduled to get underway at 11:35 GMT.