TCR / 09 April 2015
Spectacular Championship Debut for JAS Motorsport-Prepared Cars in Malaysia
Driver Gianni Morbidelli recognised for his commitment in the brand-new TCR Championship
Italian Gianni Morbidelli was voted the Man of the Race at the inaugural TCR Championship event this weekend in Sepang, Malaysia. Driving the JAS Motorsport–prepared Honda Civic, Morbidelli was judged to be the most spectacular driver in this opening series race by a panel of luminaries.
The commitment of the former Formula One star, driving one of three Hondas entered by West Coast Racing, made sure that he was one of the centres of attention among media and fans alike. This was especially illustrated by an inspired overtaking move that earned him a podium place on the second of the weekend’s two races.
Teammate Kevin Gleason was driving one of three identical Civics prepared by JAS Motorsport in Milan, for this all-new global touring car concept. He was another to catch people’s attention, muscling his way to a well earned pole position for race one. The American Gleason made the most of his aggressive driving style to better three other leading manufacturer teams and head the charts.
Commented Kevin: “I feel wonderful! It’s amazing, the car is brand-new, but the team did a great job and they have worked so hard together with JAS in order to get everything ready and running. I had no expectations before the qualifying. I just wanted to do the best that I could. I struggled with understeer in Q1, but we managed to make some adjustments in the five-minute break and it worked. After that the car was great!”
Morbidelli recorded a sterling third place podium finish in race two. This now ensures that the West Coast Racing Honda Civic TCR team is in a solid third-place in the championship, with the series heading to Shanghai for the next race in two weeks time.
Mads Fischer of JAS Motorsport was in celebratory mood. “This was a historic moment, taking place at the first ever TCR race weekend. I do want to send my thanks to West Coast Racing, Mugen, Ole Buhl Racing and, of course, all of our guys back at JAS in Milan.”