The WestCoast Racing Sportpromotion team took the top step of the TCR International Series podium for a leading fifth time this season with another victory for Mikhail Grachev at the Sochi Autodrom in Russia today (3 July, 2016).
It was an incredible third victory for Grachev, adding to his successes in Italy and Austria earlier this year, having only joined the Swedish outfit four rounds ago.
Grachev’s performance was built on a sensational start to the day’s second race where he took the lead from third on the grid. Grachev was never headed as he produced a faultless drive in incredibly high temperatures at the Russian venue which also plays host to the Russian Grand Prix.
The result followed a solid sixth place finish in race one and moves Grachev up to ninth in the championship standings.
The day was less successful for Gianni Morbidelli who had a combative podium finish in the day’s opening race but whilst battling for a repeat today, suffered a suspension failure on his Honda Civic TCR.
None-the-less the Italian remains in contention for the TCR Championship in sixth position some 38 points from the lead with four rounds remaining.
Guest driver Ildar Rakhmatullin had a tough weekend, bringing his Honda home in 12th in the opening race but failing to finish the second after retiring his car with gear selection issues.
After the race a delighted Mikhail Grachev was quick to praise the efforts of the WestCoast Racing Sportpromotion team: “We struggled a bit in the first race but the team did a great job to give me a car that could bring me to victory. Since joining Westcoast it has been amazing, I am very happy that I joined this team!”
Team Manager James Nixon was similarly full of praise for his driver: “Mikhail’s talent and performances have been excellent. This is his third win this season, more than any other driver in the series and that speaks for itself.
“Gianni also drove well in really difficult conditions and deserved more today as he was looking strong for a double podium but at least he remains in with a chance for the championship.”
TCR International now moves on to Asia and the blue riband events supporting the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore and Malaysia starting 17-18 September.