Photo: TCR Media

WestCoast drivers on cloud nine for perfect day in Shanghai

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WestCoast Racing had the perfect race today, putting all their Honda Civic TCRs on the podium. Gianni Morbidelli started from pole position and never left the lead, while team-mates René Munnich and Kevin Gleason completed the podium.

“It was simply a perfect day,” said Morbidelli. “Everything was perfect and the car performed extremely well. I congratulate WestCoast Racing for the very good work.”

The Italian conceded that Honda have the edge over the other manufacturers:”It is clear that here in Shanghai the Honda cars were above the competition, as it was the case for SEAT in Sepang. We felt at ease since the beginning of Free Practice and could materialize the good work.”

Morbidelli is already looking forward to tomorrow, when he will try to repeat the feat from tenth on the grid:”We’ll try to carry on the momentum, knowing very well that it will be difficult to always have a day like today.”

René Munnich came second and was always in Morbidelli’s mirrors, although he was never in a position to attack his team-mate:“It’s nice to be on the podium, I am happy to have been behind Gianni throughout the entire weekend so far,” said the German. “In the race, I could almost follow his pace and in the last couple of laps I even reduced the gap, although I think he lift off a bit.”

Kevin Gleason was the protagonist of the most spectacular fight of the race, as he and Stefano Comini fought hard for third, with the Honda driver finally taking the last podium spot:“I believe Comini and I put the show today!”, said the American. Despite a lot of rubbing and touching between the two, Gleason enjoyed the battle:”It was good a good fight, always very close. He was weaving in excess on the straights, but all in all, it was fair. I hope the fans enjoyed it and I think they will need to get used to that sort of show in the TCR!”

Gleason admitted his getaway off the line was not ideal:”Again, my start was quite poor, I really need to improve that.”

WestCoast Racing now lead the teams’ standings, 10 points ahead of Target Competition and a further 5 ahead of Craft-Bamboo Lukoil.