Big WTCR circuit, small Muller hopes
Yvan Muller is expecting a tough WTCR JVCKENWOOD Race of Japan at Suzuka later this month, although the chance to race on the legendary venue's full layout is giving him reason to remain upbeat.
Like his fellow Hyundai i30 N TCR drivers Thed Björk, Norbert Michelisz and Gabriele Tarquini, Muller struggled for pace on the last WTCR - FIA World Touring Car Cup prresented by OSCARO event in Wuhan, China, with balance of performance and car weight rulings hampering the speed of the Korean machines.
Fearing the possibility of a similar performance level in Japan, World Touring Car racing's most successful driver is focused on the plus points of racing on Suzuka's full 5.807-kilometre track from 26-28 October.
"I have been many times in Suzuka but only once on the big circuit, all the others were on the small circuit," said the Frenchman, seven points behind championship leader Tarquini. "But I am pleased we go on the big circuit because it's really fantastic.
"It will be tough when we race there because of the weight balance penalty but, from now until the end of the season, it will be tough for the Hyundai [everywhere] so we have to see."
Zdroj: fiawtcr.com