Photo: Bamboo Engineering

Bamboo ready for WTCC debut

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British squad Bamboo Engineering are ready to rise to the challenge of the WTCC, as they prepare to make their World level debut in Brazil this weekend. “We are all aware of the challenge ahead of us,” said Team Principal Richard Coleman ahead of the opening round of the WTCC in Curitiba.

Acknowledging the steep learning curve his team are up against, Coleman said, “It will be the team’s first WTCC weekend, and with two WTCC rookie drivers on a circuit that the Chevrolet has struggled at in the past. Having said that we know we have two very competitive cars, and 80% of our team have winning WTCC experience.”

Despite initial fears about the quality of the WTCC grid, Bamboo, who will field the only two Chevrolet Lacetti’s in the field, will be up against a strong field, which includes seven SEAT Leon TDI’s and five works cars from Chevrolet and BMW.

The opposition though isn’t putting Harry Vaulkhard off – “The field is very strong, but we want to race against the best so that is why we are here.

“I am mentally a lot stronger after the closed season and I’m looking forward to building a strong season, Brazil will be a challenge but I am very keen to get points on the board from the off”

Like Vaulkhard, Darryl O’Young is preparing to make his WTCC debut, but the Canadian born Hong Kong national will also be getting used to racing with front wheel drive, after several seasons of racing rear wheel drive Porsches.

“Well it’s in at the deep end, I have to get used to front wheel drive and learn the circuit but I’m testing some front wheel drive cars this week and spending time in the teams simulator,” said O’Young, “So I will be as prepared as can be. I can’t wait to start racing in the WTCC and can’t wait for the challenge.”

Coleman is confident that despite being novices to the WTCC, both his drivers will swiftly adapt to the rigours of the World Championship.

“Both drivers are very fired up,” commented Coleman, “And have been spending a lot of time in the simulator to learn Curitiba, so we look to the challenge with a smile.”