Priaulx needs change of luck on Suzuka bow
ANDY PRIAULX makes his Suzuka bow this weekend as he competes at the iconic Japanese circuit for the first time.
The three-time world champion has regained some confidence heading into the eighth race weekend of the FIA World Touring Car Cup, in which he hopes to go ‘all out’ and claim his first win since his lengthy break from tin-top racing.
The WTCR Race of Japan will take place on the East Course layout, which at 2.24km is shorter than the one that has been used in Formula 1 since its first appearance for the Japanese Grand Prix in 1987.
The circuit is often at the top of the list of racing drivers’ favourite tracks as it has some amazing sections and corners.
Priaulx, despite having never been there, has a good idea of what to expect when he goes on track in his No. 111 Lynk & Co 03 TCR.
‘From what I can see from watching races on TV and being on the simulator, it is a really amazing track,’ said the Guernseyman.
‘As we are going to be on the shorter circuit, that will be a factor and there will be lots of traffic in qualifying.
‘I am sure it will be difficult to find a clear lap, but anyway qualifying is always super-tight.’
Priaulx is currently 22nd in the standings following a weekend of highs and lows in Ningbo, China, and he is now even hungrier to add winning impetus to what has been a tough season.
‘In Ningbo that first win was so near yet so far, so now I am going all out to get it,’ he said.
‘I am hoping for a strong weekend and am feeling more and more confident in the car with every race.
‘The races I expect will be really frantic, as it is getting near the end of the season and there is a lot to play for.
‘I am hoping to be able to support Yvan [Muller] and Thed [Bjerk] as much as possible with the championship. I have had some bad luck, but now I need some really good luck. I have been training hard and, as usual, am fit and focused.’
The track is on the main Japanese island of Honshu in the Mie Prefecture. It lies on the coast and is just over 370km west of Tokyo, with many people choosing to travel from the capital via the famous Shinkansen, AKA the bullet train.
Track action begins with the free practice and qualifying sessions tomorrow. Race one is on Saturday at 7.05am BST over nine laps, with Sunday’s two races unfolding at 1am GMT and 2.30am GMT over nine and 11 laps respectively following the clock change.
