WestCoast Racing began a new era as season three of TCR International Series got underway this weekend (31 March – 2 April, 2017) at Rustavi International Motorpark, Georgia. With an all-new look, Gianni Morbidelli was joined by 16-year-old Giancomo Altoè in the new TEGERA Infinity branded Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR cars.

For the team, it proved to be a weekend of acclimatisation and development of the new package, whilst aiming to make the best of every opportunity. The final result was a double points finish in race one, and a further points for Morbidelli in race two.

“It’s a reasonable result for us as we knew we’d be somewhat on the back foot in these early races of the season,” said Team Manager James Nixon. “We didn’t have the raw pace in the car in race conditions, that is clear, but Gianni held on for points in both races while Giancomo enjoyed the chance to start from pole position and lead a race on his debut, so that’s a huge positive.

“We know we have work to do, but it’s a new package and we’re confident that we can make progress sooner rather than later.”

Qualifying saw Morbidelli and Altoè record the eighth and tenth fastest times respectively, giving the latter the pole position for race two reverse grid. Throwing another variable into the equation, wet conditions greeted the field for the first race.

The start saw Altoè make a good jump from tenth position on the grid run in eighth, while Morbidelli dropped from seventh on the grid to tenth. It proved to be a fairly static race – despite the best efforts of Altoè to pass Pepe Oriola – with both drivers holding position through to the chequered flag and gaining five points.

With the top ten qualifying results revered for race two, Altoè lined up on pole position with Morbidelli in fourth with a dry line starting to form. Altoè made a good start to retain the lead into the first turn, but a bold move from Pepe Oriola half way around the first lap saw Altoè drop to third position behind Oriola and teammate Hugo Valente.

A safety car period followed before race resumed with Altoè in third and Morbidelli in sixth. Altoè however found himself under pressure from the fourth-placed Attila Tassi and then then ran wide into the gravel trap after losing the front – and then rear end – of the Golf GTi as the race resumed on lap five. Sadly for the youngster, his battle points were effectively over as he resumed in 14th position, and finished in 11th.

Morbidelli meanwhile continued in sixth position, but it soon became clear that the Italian was struggling for grip, dropping down to ninth position at the conclusion of the race.

With points on the board, the team now begin preparations for the next round of the TCR International Series, which takes place at Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, 13-16 April, 2017.