Mikhail Grachev determined to win in Sepang after free practice issues

Mikhail Grachev was third in today’s qualifying at Sepang, Malaysia. The WestCoast Racing driver had some engine issues in free practice yesterday, which didn’t prevent him from achieving a top three result.

“I am very happy to be here in a competitive car once again,” said the Russian. “I missed most of the Practice because of an engine problem, so I know there are areas in which I can still improve, but I have to say thank you to WestCoast for working so hard to repair the problem and allow me to do this.”

While Craft-Bamboo’s Pepe Oriola needs to focus on the championship, Grachev feels he has the advantage of being able to go on maximum attack, as he has no title ambitions: “I’m luckier than Pepe because I’m not focussing on the championship and so I can concentrate on the race.”

Grachev has four wins this year, all of which he scored after making a switch mid-season from Team Engstler to WestCoast Racing.