High hopes for Japan fan Valente

Hugo Valente is hoping his love of Japan will be rewarded with a strong haul of FIA World Touring Car Championship points this weekend.

The factory LADA-driving Frenchman is a big fan of the country and was a podium finisher when Twin Ring Motegi hosted WTCC JVCKENWOOD WTCC Race of Japan last season in a privateer Campos Racing Chevrolet.

Following a double non-finish in Argentina last month, Valente is overdue a change of fortune during his first WTCC season as a works pilot.

“I love Japan and I was happy to get on the podium last year because the previous year I was second but I lost the position two laps from the end,” said the 24-year-old. “Funnily enough Japan last year was my worst weekend in terms of performance but I was making my best result because we were more consistent.”

“Argentina was a frustrating weekend for me with two DNFs,” he continued. “Being the quickest LADA in qualifying was only a very small consolation so I am hoping for a better weekend in Japan when I am confident our pace will improve compared to what we saw in Argentina.”