Andy Priaulx: “We don’t know where we’ll be until the first race”

Cyan Racing Lynk & Co driver Andy Priaulx says there are no expectations about where the brand new 03 TCR will be in terms of pace until after qualifying this weekend at the World Touring Car Cup season opener at Marrakech.

The 44-year-old will make his world touring car return after nine years away, now driving the new Lynk & Co 03 TCR, the new front-wheel drive saloon car from Chinese brand Geely, which will be run by 2017 champions and former Volvo developers Cyan Racing.

Last year, the drivers’ and teams’ championships were both won by Hyundai, which is considered to be the current TCR benchmark car.

“The Hyundai is a proven car, and we’re still developing our car,” said Priaulx. “When I jumped in the car, I felt comfortable straight away, but there was still a lot of work to do. The last few tests, we’ve made some good steps, but we’re one year behind in terms of development. I’m sure this time next year, we’ll all say it’s sorted and ready to go, but there’s still a lot to learn.

“I’m sure everybody else is nervous about a new car coming in, but we’re also nervous about coming in. You don’t really know where you are until the first race of the season really.”

The car shares its base engine with the Volvo S60 which proved to be the dominant force in the 2017 World Touring Car Championship, and has a similar aerodynamic profile to the Audi RS 3 LMS saloon, which was a strong contender through much of last season.

“I think the longer, faster corners will be good for our car, as it has a slightly longer wheelbase. We have very good aero in terms of drag, so the faster circuits should be good for us, but I suppose it depends on how the weight evolves during the course of the season and how the Balance of Performance works really. For me, power is crucial, so where you are on power will make a big difference.”

The Guernsey driver has been principally focussed on sports car racing in the last few years with Ford, but is relishing a return to touring car racing.

“It was 2010 since I last drove a world touring car. I’ve driven a V8 Supercar, DTM and in BTCC since then, so it’s not like I haven’t driven touring cars, but this is front-wheel drive, so it’s very, very different.

“I also think the race weekends are more intense. It’s a really good format I think, as you’re racing on both days.

“The racing potentially is going to be really close. The manufacturers are pretty equal, and I expect it to be a really tough fight.”