Shedden ready for world 'mega season'posted in OTHER05 | 04 | 2019

SCOT GORDON SHEDDEN admits he’s in for a “mega season” as he launches his bid to become World Touring Car champ this weekend at the opening triple-header in Marrakech. (Related: Shedden takes first world win with Audi)

But the three-time British Touring Car champion from Auchterarder, who starts his second season driving an Audi RS3 in the FIA World Touring Car Cup, has played down his title hopes, despite topping the timesheets in the final pre-season testing at Barcelona.

“Being fastest in the final test was a great way to finish the pre-season,” the 40-year-old admitted, “but we should probably be careful about looking too much into the times.

“We know not everyone was showing their true pace, but it was a positive start and things are certainly going in the right direction.”

And while Shedden — who finished the season with a win in China — believes he is better prepared for the new season, now having the full 2018 campaign under his belt, he acknowledges the depth of competition means the title challenge will be tough.

“There’s no denying this is going to be very exciting, tough season,” he continued. “If you sat down and tried to come up with who you'd want in the perfect touring car championship, you would probably come up with what we have here.

"With former champs Gabriele Tarquini, Yvan Muller and Andy Priaulx on the grid, with a grid of 26 guys, 10 of whom can probably win the championship — and almost certainly every one of them has the ability to win races — it's going to be a mega season."

Shedden’s weekend starts tomorrow with free practice ahead of the season-opening race round 1.8-miles of the dusty street circuit in Marrakech. Qualifying, and the final two races of the weekend, take place on Sunday.

Related: Shedden fired-up for world bid with Audi

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Jim McGill