Kevin Gleason sent to the back of the grid due to engine issues

Kevin Gleason’s retirement in Race 1 at Estoril, Portugal, was caused by an engine misfire, which became evident straight from the start, causing the American driver to limp back to the pits.

WestCoast Racing decided to request the neutralisation of parc fermé to fix the car, which means Gleason will now have to start from the back of the grid.

“Hopefully I will be able to collect some points,” said the American to TouringCarTimes. “It’s a shame because I was going to start from third and it would have been a good chance.”

The penalty promotes joint championship leader Pepe Oriola to third on the grid, with WestCoast Racing’s Aku Pellinen sharing the front row with the Spaniard.

Kevin Gleason’s score is still down to zero as the Honda driver failed to finish both races in Bahrain.