Priaulx up for challenge of new circuit
ANDY PRIAULX hopes to carry his momentum from Macau into Malaysia and grab a result in the FIA World Touring Car Cup season finale.
The Sepang International Circuit is a new track for the three-time world champion, but following his maiden victory under the ‘WTCR’ banner last month at Macau Guia, he and his Lynk & Co 03 TCR will relish the challenge of the 1999-2017 Malaysian Grand Prix venue.
Priaulx, who currently sits 17th in the drivers’ standings, has been hard at work on the simulator in the build-up.
‘I have done a lot of sim work and the track looks like a very technical one,’ said the Guernseyman.
‘I think it is going to be quite a challenge for everyone to find the right balance for the car, the right lines and the right rhythm for the circuit.
‘This should be a level playing field for everybody so I feel quite pumped up about going to the Sepang circuit.’
Priaulx added after a run of form where he cracked the top-10 for his last four races: ‘After my win in Macau and also fighting for pole in Japan, I know how competitive the car is, and I want to carry that momentum into the final race of the year.
‘I am focusing on performing as well as I can and continuing with the uptrend of my performance thanks to some developments with the car.
‘I have been able to move things in my direction a little bit and feel a lot more confident. However, at the same time I have to think about my Lynk & Co Cyan Racing teammates who are fighting for their positions in the drivers’ title battle, as well as for the team title fight.’
Action on the 5.5km circuit begins today with free practice and qualifying.
The programme then skips to Sunday, with two nine-lap races at 7.15 and 10.15am GMT respectively ahead of a conclusive 12-lapper at 12.10pm GMT.
