WTCC Honda Civic Seeking Further Success in Shanghai
Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2015 5:15 pm
@WTCC @Honda #Civic Seeking Further Success in #Shanghai
・FIA WTCC continues in Asia with rounds 19 & 20 this weekend in Shanghai
・Team-mates Tarquini & Monteiro predict tough but exciting racing
This weekend sees the return of the FIA World Touring Car Championship in Shanghai, China and for the Castrol Honda pairing of Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro, hopes are high for further success following Monteiro’s home win in Japan two weeks ago.
Shanghai proved pivotal for the Honda Civic WTCCs last year with Honda privateer driver Mehdi Bennani claiming his maiden WTCC win. In doing so, not only did Bennani become the first African racer to win in the series, but it marked Honda’s first victory of the season. Prior to this in 2013, Honda came away with a 1-2-3 podium lockout in the day’s second race, so the circuit is something of a lucky charm.
Following success in Japan the Civics arrive in Shanghai laden with an extra 40kg ballast, but in spite of the additional weight, the team are yet again targeting champagne celebration and will be looking to extend their success tally this year.
Gabriele Tarquini: “We’ve had great success here in the past, not least with victory and podium results in 2013. It’s a nice circuit to drive and there is more overtaking opportunity here than at other tracks, so it should be exciting. Two things are really important here; getting the right balance and tire management. The asphalt is quite aggressive and given the nature of the track, can be very demanding on the front left tires in particular. Shanghai also features one of the longest straights in the championship, which isn’t an advantage for us. That said it’s been a lucky track for us in the past so we will work hard for some more good results. The weather could also play a key factor, especially if it’s wet….”
Tiago Monteiro: “After Japan everyone is very motivated to continue the momentum. We showed progress last time out and our hard work paid off, but the downside is of course that with a win comes 40kgs penalty. Shanghai has never been an easy track for us and the characteristics of the Civics and with extra weight it will be tougher, but that’s a challenge we accept and we’re ready for it – we never give up!”
・FIA WTCC continues in Asia with rounds 19 & 20 this weekend in Shanghai
・Team-mates Tarquini & Monteiro predict tough but exciting racing
This weekend sees the return of the FIA World Touring Car Championship in Shanghai, China and for the Castrol Honda pairing of Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro, hopes are high for further success following Monteiro’s home win in Japan two weeks ago.
Shanghai proved pivotal for the Honda Civic WTCCs last year with Honda privateer driver Mehdi Bennani claiming his maiden WTCC win. In doing so, not only did Bennani become the first African racer to win in the series, but it marked Honda’s first victory of the season. Prior to this in 2013, Honda came away with a 1-2-3 podium lockout in the day’s second race, so the circuit is something of a lucky charm.
Following success in Japan the Civics arrive in Shanghai laden with an extra 40kg ballast, but in spite of the additional weight, the team are yet again targeting champagne celebration and will be looking to extend their success tally this year.
Gabriele Tarquini: “We’ve had great success here in the past, not least with victory and podium results in 2013. It’s a nice circuit to drive and there is more overtaking opportunity here than at other tracks, so it should be exciting. Two things are really important here; getting the right balance and tire management. The asphalt is quite aggressive and given the nature of the track, can be very demanding on the front left tires in particular. Shanghai also features one of the longest straights in the championship, which isn’t an advantage for us. That said it’s been a lucky track for us in the past so we will work hard for some more good results. The weather could also play a key factor, especially if it’s wet….”
Tiago Monteiro: “After Japan everyone is very motivated to continue the momentum. We showed progress last time out and our hard work paid off, but the downside is of course that with a win comes 40kgs penalty. Shanghai has never been an easy track for us and the characteristics of the Civics and with extra weight it will be tougher, but that’s a challenge we accept and we’re ready for it – we never give up!”