WestCoast Racing are all set for the second round of the TCR International Series that takes place this weekend (14-16 April, 2017) as a support to the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. The team has an impressive record when the Grand Prix circus is in town, having won at both Singapore and Malaysia Grand Prix support races last year. Naturally WestCoast Racing are now targeting a victory at Bahrain International Circuit.

It’s been a fresh start for the team this year, with a switch to a pair of TEGERA Infinity liveried Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR cars as well as new recruit Giancomo Altoè joining Gianni Morbidelli. Last time out in Georgia, the team secured double points finishes in both races, something the team are looking to build on this weekend in Bahrain.

“The first race of the year was a bit of a learning curve for us all – the teams and drivers – to be honest,” said Team Manager James Nixon.  “We showed good pace in some of the sessions, but the wet races were completely new for us in the Golf. Whilst we can’t test between the races, the team has been busy analysing the data and that should help us move up through the field.

“Being a Grand Prix event, this is obviously a big race for us and our partners. Last year the team enjoyed a spell at the front of the field and we know we have two great drivers in Gianni and Giancomo; they’re both willing to work hard to accelerate our programme and that will give us the best chance of scoring solid points in both races.

“We’ve got 13 points on the board already and I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t add significantly to that tally this weekend.”

The first 10-lap race of the weekend takes place between the F1 third practice and qualifying at 16.30 local time on Saturday, while Sunday’s race is at 13.00, immediately before the second F2 event.