TAYLOR COCKERTON KEEN TO MAXIMISE OPPORTUNITIES AT ZHUHAI

July 28, 2017

Just 18-points sit between Castrol Toyota Racing Series graduate Taylor Cockerton and Formula Masters Series leader Daniel Lu.

 

With such a small margin between the pair, Cockerton is keen to capitalize at China’s Zhuhai International Circuit.

 

Speaking with velocitynews.co.nz, Cockerton said he’s focused on closing the gap between himself and his Absolute Racing rival.

 

"At the moment, I’m just determined and have got my head down, focused on what I want to achieve,” he said.

 

"That’s to win the championship.”

 

Cockerton has so far amassed two wins in the series. He said this season has been strong so far, but the consistency will need to continue to have a chance as they head towards the final.

 

"So far, it’s gone pretty well. We’ve had some really solid consistent finishes. We’ve had bad luck at times, especially at round one with that DNF.

 

"Overall, we’ve had pace so I’m just going to take that same mentality into the weekend.

 

"We’re really strong in the wet particularly at Zhuhai, so if it rains there we’ll be fast. We’ve got to nail our dry pace first. I’m confident.”

 

Cockerton qualified fifth and third leading into the weekend at Zhuhai. Qualifying, he said, would have to be the key to strong race weekend.

 

"It may not be much but I need to start finishing races ahead of him. Particularly the longer racers which are worth more points. Unfortunately, both races that we’ve won this season are the shorter ones which means we’ve got less points.

 

"My focus is definitely on qualifying well, starting up the front and pulling away.”

 

Cockerton will need to have a good weekend at Zhuhai. With the fourth round being the penultimate appearance in the series, he’ll then head to Shanghai International Circuit, which he’s never driven before.

 

"Shanghai is going to be the biggest challenge for us. We’ve not done any testing there. We only get one round and one shot essentially.

 

"This round is going to be crucial for me to minimize the points deficit. It should be good.”