Pepe Oriola enjoys improved Sepang tarmac

Pepe Oriola was fastest in this morning’s free practice at the wheel of his Craft-Bamboo SEAT. The Lukoil-backed driver was six tenths quicker than Leopard Racing’s Jean-Karl Vernay. According to the Spaniard, the resurfaced Sepang circuit has massively improved compared to last year.

“They have definitely improved the asphalt since last year”, said the Spaniard. “The braking points were a little bit bumpy but now it’s brand-new asphalt which is really smooth. I think it’s a good change – the last corner, especially, is very different. It was like an American banked oval, but now it dips away and so the line has to be different.”

As for his dominant performance today, Oriola believes tomorrow will be different: “I know the other guys will be faster tomorrow, but I’m really feeling good with the car at the moment.”

Oriola is 16 points behind team-mate James Nash and currently sits third in the championship.