Motorsport: Radisich puts experience over horsepower

Paul Radisich is hoping his European experience will make up for some lack of horsepower when the V8 Supercars race on the state-of-the-art Shanghai circuit in China for the first time this weekend.

Radisich, who won two world touring car titles in his time based in the United Kingdom, said the Shanghai track is based on the traditional flowing European circuit.

He is picking that horsepower will prove crucial for the historic fifth round of the V8 Supercar Championship, but hopes his experience will be a key for New Zealand's sole team in the series, Team Kiwi Racing.

The team won't have their new Alan Draper-produced engine package until round seven in Queensland and may be unable to match the top-end pace of some teams in China.

The impressive Shanghai International Circuit has a long front straight followed by nine right-left corner combinations as the V8s roar on to the longer back straight which is connected by a fast sweeper before heading back onto the front straight.

The 5.4km circuit will definitely test the teams' set-up skills and ability to think while on their feet with no one having the advantage of driving on this race track before today's two-hour practice session.

"Horsepower is a key and so will be the ability to adapt to this type of circuit which is much different to that which most of the teams have experienced," Radisich said.

"I'm hoping my experience in Europe will help and we will be looking for another top-10 finish here in what will be a memorable weekend."

Radisich said the teams and drivers have been treated as rock stars by the Chinese this week, including a formal dinner hosted by the Chinese Government.

"We have been here in Shanghai since Monday and the festive environment that has been put on around this event in China has been very impressive," Radisich said.

Qualifying, the Top-10 shootout and Race One over 100km will be held tomorrow with two further races over 140km on Sunday.

- NZPA