Cooler temperatures could help bamboo to be competitive against the BMWs - Photo Credit: fiawtcc.com
bamboo engineering's hopes in Valencia could be boosted by cooler temperatures at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, according to team principal Richard Coleman.
bamboo Driver Alex MacDowall jointly leads the Yokohama Trophy standings after the opening round of the WTCC season at Monza, but the team's chances at the second round in Spain could be affected by the Valencia circuit traditionally favouring rear-wheel drive cars.
“Valencia is the circuit where bamboo has its worst record,” explained Coleman. “It's a rear wheel drive track and there are so many BMWs out there, we know it isn't going to be easy.
“To add to this, it's also SEAT's home track. Not only is this a circuit where they have done a lot of running, they are also 50kilos lighter than us.”
Coleman said however that cooler weather than usually found at the Valencia races could help his team's Chevrolet Cruzes to be more competitive.
“Everyone is quite relaxed even though this will perhaps be our most challenging weekend, and that's because we hope it may be a bit cooler. If it is, this will help the front wheel drive cars.
“We're also aware that this track didn't suit Darryl O'Young's driving style, whereas Alex's is completely different. Pasquale [Di Sabatino] is still learning his way around the car and getting used to the new challenge but we expect he will make another big step forward this weekend.
“It's hard to say whether Alex will still be tied in the lead at the end of the weekend, but as this could be our hardest weekend, we're pleased we can get it out of the way early in the season.”
