Tarquini happy with team-mates progression

Gabriele Tarquini says watching his young LADA Sport Rosneft team-mates progress in the FIA World Touring Car Championship is giving him a great deal of pleasure.

Tarquini joined the Russian squad for 2016 and has used his vast experience to help turn the Vesta TC1 into a regular contender for podium finishes.

At 54, he’s 30 years older than Hugo Valente, another new recruit for this season, and 26 years Nicky Catsburg’s senior. His extensive knowledge is proving to be of great assistance to LADA and its younger drivers.

“I am happy to see how our car has progressed so far and I am pleased to have contributed as much as possible to this development,” said the Italian, WTCC champion in 2009. “I am also delighted to share my experience with my team-mates and watch their progress also.”

Ahead of this weekend’s WTCC Race of Argentina, Catsburg is third in the standings with Valente P11. Tarquini is eighth.