WTCC Vesta could have been even faster, says LADA team chief

LADA could have been even faster in this year’s FIA World Touring Car Championship – had the Russian firm been able to carry out more pre-season testing.

The Rosneft-backed team started its 2015 campaign on the back foot due to the limited running of its Vesta TC1, which squad boss Victor Shapovalov says has held it back in certain races.

“At the beginning of the season we simply didn’t have time to conduct a proper test programme and maximise our car’s competitiveness and that is why we have been quick in some races and not in others,” he said. “The Vesta has been good at high-speed circuits during the first half of the year and we must ensure the car is quick at every circuit as we prepare for the Asian leg of the championship.

“Three of the four rounds will take place on brand new, unfamiliar circuits in Japan, Thailand and Qatar and this means it’s difficult to forecast anything, but we will do our utmost to maximise our performances at these tracks.”

LADA will give Nicolas Lapierre his championship debut in JVC KENWOOD WTCC Race of Japan this weekend with the Frenchman joining team regulars Nicky Catsburg and Rob Huff. Briton Huff gave the Vesta its maiden podium when he finished second in ROSNEFT WTCC Race of Russia in June.