James Nash on championship challenge: “We’re still in the right place”

2013 WTCC independents’ champion James Nash leaves Spa-Francorchamps two points behind Craft-Bamboo Lukoil Racing team-mate Pepe Oriola in the drivers’ standings, which was certain to be a clear lead if it wasn’t for contact in Race 1 from Leopard Racing’s Jean-Karl Vernay.

The 30-year-old went toe-to-toe with his title rival and team-mate in Race 2, holding off Oriola throughout the nine laps at the famous Belgian circuit in the hot conditions to take a critical fifth position after his comparatively lowly eighth on Friday.

“It wasn’t the easiest race, and it’s not that nice being around your team-mates as you don’t want to over-defend your position,” said Nash to TouringCarTimes. “I also had some issues in that race, so I know there was a bit lacking from me, so I think we’re slightly disappointed, but to come away 1-2 in the championship and leading the teams’ championship, that’s more than good. We’re still in the right place after three events, so we’re doing something right.”

With WestCoast Racing Honda driver failing to score in Race 2 after a collision with B3 Racing SEAT driver Dusan Borkovic, the two Craft-Bamboo SEAT drivers find themselves in the lead in the standings, with Oriola just two points ahead as the drivers share the points between them, but there’s no concern over team orders just yet, even though last season Craft-Bamboo’s main rival Target switched all their support behind then driver Comini early on, while Bamboo’s drivers Pepe Oriola and Jordi Gené continued to battle for the title between them right up to the end of the season.

“As the championship goes on, there might be some errors and then it’s up to the team to call orders after that, but if (Pepe and I) are that close come Macau, then it’s a free fight for the title,” said Nash.