Russian driver Mikhail Grachev and experienced Swiss Alain Menu will join WestCoast Racing’s line-up from this weekend’s rescheduled fourth round of the TCR International Series at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola (22 May).
Grachev has been part of the series from the start of 2015 and moves over to WestCoast Racing-run Honda machinery in the hope of leveraging the team’s experience to move up the grid and deliver results he feels capable of.
Menu, a veteran of multiple FIA World Touring Car Championship appearances and victories, most notably with the works Chevrolet team, will make his return to the TCR International Series after sporadic outings with Subaru last season.
They replace Aku Pellinen who lies fourth in the Drivers’ standings after an impressive start to the season that includes a great maiden victory last time out at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Pellinen cites budget complications as the reason for his departure after his key sponsor was no longer able to commit to the series, while TCR regular and race winner, Kevin Gleason, has also been forced to step down while negotiations with a key backer continue.
The team’s lead driver, Gianni Morbidelli, will continue his title challenge from third position in the standings and just four points behind leader, Pepe Oriola.
WestCoast Racing/Sportpromotion Team Principal, Greger Petersson, welcomed Grachev to the fold, saying: “Mikhail (Grachev) has shown commitment to the TCR International Series and we are delighted that he sees WestCoast Racing as a team that can help him meet his racing goals. And with Alain (Menu) we add great experience in touring cars that will be a benefit to any team.
“Of course, we are very disappointed to have lost the services of Aku (Pellinen) and Kevin (Gleason), with Aku showing great speed and promise and Kevin having delivered wins for the team in the TCR International Series. But this is the reality of motorsport where commercial partners are needed to meet budgets and I hope both of them will be able to return to us and the series soon.”
Grachev said: “For me it is important to grow as a racing driver and, in a team like WestCoast Racing and with experienced teammates like Gianni (Morbidelli) and Alain (Menu), I have that opportunity.”
Menu added: “It’s nice to be back in the TCR International Series and I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given. WestCoast Racing is one of the top teams in the championship with one of the front-running cars, so I am very much looking forward to it, although it will be tough, as I haven’t had an opportunity to test the Honda Civic ahead of what will be a single-day event.”
For more information on WestCoast Racing, please visit the officialwww.westcoastracing.se website, ‘like’ the team’s Facebook page and follow@WestCoast Racing on Twitter.