Tarquini hopes for better WTCC luck this time

Gabriele Tarquini will be hoping to do something he didn’t quite manage in 2014 – line up on the starting grid in Morocco.

Tarquini, part of the two-strong Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team squad alongside Tiago Monteiro, failed to start either race in Marrakech last season following a hefty crash in qualifying, which inflicted considerable damage to his Honda Civic WTCC.

“Marrakech is the ultimate driving challenge,” said Tarquini, who claimed the FIA World Touring Car Championship title in 2009. “It’s difficult with such close proximity to the walls and no escape routes, so one small mistake and you pay very hard. Unfortunately I don’t have good memories from last year so I am keen to improve and avoid any drama.”

Tarquini can, at least, take heart from previous strong performances at the Circuit Moulay El Hassan. He’s a former winner and double podium finisher at the challenging street track, which hosts Eurodatacar WTCC Race of Morocco from 17-19 April.