Pepe Oriola says reversed grid strategy may be the key against Honda

Craft-Bamboo Racing’s Pepe Oriola, now confirmed as the winner of Race 2 in Georgia, says that playing the reversed grid may have to be an option against the pace of Alfa and Honda after the first race of the season.

The Spaniard started from second for the reversed grid in Race 2 after having qualified in ninth position for Race 2, and managed to pass the WestCoast Volkswagen of Giacomo Altoe to take the win, which puts him third in the championship, just seven points behind leader Davit Kajaia.

“For once I’ve benefitted from the reversed grid,” said Oriola to TouringCarTimes. “Last year I was always getting the top three in Race 1, while my team-mate James (Nash) was getting the top three in Race 2, and it’s easier to win Race 2 than Race 1 as the competitors at the front are not as strong as in in Race 1.

“It’s a difficult strategy to do on purpose, as if you mess up in qualifying by one place you’re in a really bad position, but it’s something to consider if we don’t have the pace of Alfa and Honda in the other rounds this year,” he added.

Oriola and team-mate Hugo Valente were both investigated for having passed Altoè under yellow flags at the end of the first lap. Oriola was cleared, while Valente was given a 30-second penalty, dropping him to ninth.

“The first time I saw the safety car sign, I was already on the outside of (Altoè), we have videos and the (stewards) will see that,” said Oriola.