Photo: TCR Media

Kevin Gleason tops Shanghai FP2

By

WestCoast Racing confirmed their strong form as Kevin Gleason led the second Free Practice session, with Honda team-mate René Munnich in second once again. Target Competition’s Andrea Belicchi completed the top three for SEAT.

Pepe Oriola came fourth in his León Racer for Craft-Bamboo Lukoil, with FP1 pace-setter Gianni Morbidelli in fifth.

Mikhail Grachev and Franz Engstler confirmed Audi’s progresses after a tough Sepang weekend by finishing sixth and seventh respectively, both at the wheel of Liqui Moly Team Engstler.

Sergey Afanasyev came eighth in his Craft-Bamboo Lukoil León ahead of stablemate Stefano Comini, the championship leader finishing just ahead of Lorenzo Veglia.

Despite a positive FP1 Michel Nykjaer fell back to eleventh, whereas Jordi Gené slipped down to P13 after a good first session.

Gleason was 0.4s quicker than his team-mate, but behind him the gaps are much smaller, indicating that the balance between different cars and manufacturers is improving.

“The car feels strong and starts to handle well, I am happy,” said Gleason. “I really like the track, fast and challenging as I like them, and quite similar to Sepang. I’m enjoying it! It’s new to me, but I prepared a bit on simulator and watching videos. Still, that can never give you some of the feelings, like the track’s elevation or corner sharpness.”

The action for the day is over, and will resume tomorrow morning at 9.45 local time for qualifying.