Front-row start for Kevin Gleason sees him close down team-mate Morbidelli

Kevin Gleason was the best placed of the regular TCR International Series drivers in qualifying at Macau, qualifying behind WestCoast Racing team-mate Rob Huff, and with Gianni Morbidelli crashing out at Police and qualifying in sixth position, the additional four points for second place sees Gleason close the gap to his team-mate to just three before race day.

Gleason had topped the time sheets in the first part of qualifying, before a late charge in Q2 saw him throw the Civic TCR into second on the grid behind Huff, and ahead of the three-way title battling SEATs of Stefano Comini, Jordi Gené and Pepe Oriola.

“I wanted to come in and take it step-by-step,” said Gleason to TouringCarTimes. “For me, this circuit is why I drive a race car. It’s incredibly challenging, you’ve got to be so focussed and committed, and I think I was able just to learn and find that commitment for qualifying.

“I honestly haven’t touched the set-up of the car all weekend. Rob’s been a great help, he’s been the fastest all weekend, and to get his guidance has been a bonus.”

Looking to tomorrow’s races, Gleason’s plan is to stay out of trouble and ahead of the intense title battle which will be taking place behind him, with Comini and Oriola separated by just four points in the championship.

“I would hope Rob and I can take off and get out front and we’ll let the championship sort itself out, that’s the goal.”