The Lukoil Craft-Bamboo Racing squad are looking to take the lead in both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships in this year’s 2015 TCR International Series as it visits Austria for the second time this year.
After a successful outing last time in Russia, where the team scored itself 101 points, expectations are kept in check as Spaniard Jordi Gene carries the maximum 30kgs of success ballast in his SEAT Leon Racer, whilst team-mate Pepe Oriola will carry 20kgs of success ballast in his car after the pairs Russian performance. With the undulations of the Red Bull Ring coupled with the fast straights of the Austrian circuit, the drivers are prepared to fight for every place in Qualifying and both races.
With his eyes set on the championship lead, Pepe Oriola’s target is clear.
“With the championship so close, it is now crucial for me to maximize my points over the whole weekend, so consistency will be really important for me. I hope I have two clean races and take some podiums.”
Russian driver Sergey Afanaysev is looking to improve his Qualifying performance.
“My qualifying will be my focus as I will not be running any ballast, so my attack will come from gaining a good start position and mounting my challenge from there. I am still looking for my first TCR win and with the performance we have shown recently I think it is possible this weekend.”
Jordi Gene is aware of the challenge ahead to close the points gap and is playing the long game.
“After a successful weekend last round, I now have to deal with the effects of 30kg of ballast. It will certainly be a challenge but I am looking forward to it, we are at a critical part of the season and it is now becoming imperative that I continue to score points to make sure I can catch the leaders by Macau.”
Team Principal Richard Coleman is looking to secure the lead in both championships this weekend.
“We are now within reach of both championships and this weekend’s aim will be to capture the lead in both. It will be a monumental challenge but we have seen what the Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil drivers are capable of. I hope to see some good racing that leads to some more podium positions and world championship points.”
