MacDowall targeting Independents points lead in Austria
Multiple class race winner Alex MacDowall is targeting the Yokohama Independents Trophy points lead when the FIA World Touring Car Championship travels to Austria next weekend, 18th/19th May, for rounds nine and 10 of the season.
Off the back of two hugely successful events in Slovakia and Hungary, the 22-year-old British ace is within just six points of the top of the Independents Trophy standings and confidence is high as he prepares to return to the Salzburgring – the venue of his maiden WTCC class victory in 2012.
Although expecting a tough outing at the Slovakia Ring a fortnight ago, a track which doesn’t lend itself to the strengths of his Chevrolet Cruze, Alex starred with his second Independents win of the current season and he added another podium in race two.
Remaining in Eastern Europe for last weekend’s trip to the Hungaroring, the Carlisle driver claimed two more Independents Trophy rostrum results and also bagged the second outright podium finish of his WTCC career.
“I’m looking forward to going back to Salzburg”, said Alex, “It should be good for us, the track suits the Chevy and if we can get on the pace straight away and not have any problems I think we’ll have a strong weekend – I’m really confident we can.
“Last year in Austria was fantastic, we were quick all weekend and getting my first Independents win was a real high point. The last couple of rounds have been good and we need to build on that next weekend, we’ve got to keep the momentum going. If everything goes as it should, we’ve got a great chance of moving to the top of the Independents standings.”
As well as holding second place in the Yokohama Independents Trophy, the Bamboo Engineering driver is within just 15 points of the overall top three in the main WTCC title race and will be aiming to make further inroads during rounds nine and 10. Qualifying will be key where that is concerned and Alex has certainly proven his ability there so far this season.
Following the usual pair of free practice sessions on Saturday, 18th May, Salzburgring qualifying will take place at 15.00 (local time). On Sunday, 19th May, round nine is scheduled to get underway at 12.50 (local time) with round 10 starting at 13.50 (local time). Live television coverage throughout the weekend will be carried on British Eurosport – please check listings for details.
2013 FIA World Touring Car Championship Driver Standings (after Rd8):
8th Alex MacDowall, 53pts
2013 FIA WTCC Yokohama Independents Trophy Driver Standings (after Rd8):
2nd Alex MacDowall, 53pts